2019 NIET National Conference

The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching hosted its 19th Annual National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday, March 22 - Saturday, March 23, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.
The NIET National Conference is a dynamic gathering of practitioners, policymakers, federal, state and district administrators, organizations, foundations and businesses who play a key role in the implementation of NIET's effectiveness best practices across the country.
The conference is a powerful venue, both for those new to and experienced in NIET's initiatives, to learn more about them in practice and their positions on the national pulse of advancing educator effectiveness.
Attendees experience a range of opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of NIET's systems of teacher leadership, professional development, educator evaluation and performance-based compensation. Networking with other participants allows them to strengthen their own implementations.
In addition to educator-led breakout sessions, trainings and hands-on workshops, the conference connects NIET's proven principles to critical issues facing America's K-12 system today.
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Chantell Walker
Chantell Walker is currently in her fourth year as principal of West St. John Elementary School in Edgard, Louisiana.

Robert Hill
Robert Hill is head of school at Alice M. Harte Charter School within InspireNOLA in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Star Hardimon
As principal of Douglas MacArthur Elementary in Perry Township Schools, Indianapolis, Star Hardimon has led the school to an "A" rating by the state in four of the last five years.

Julie Julie E. Thompson
As the executive director of elementary education for Knox County Schools, Tennessee, Julie E. Thompson works directly with NIET in supporting the district priority schools.

Mindy Searcy
Mindy Searcy is the TAP district executive master teacher at Cross County School District in Cherry Valley, Arkansas.

Dr. Cynthia Cash-Greene
As chief instructional officer in Orangeburg School District 5, South Carolina, Dr. Cynthia Cash-Greene works to ensure all students in the district receive the highest-quality instruction.

Dr. Saul Hinojosa
Dr. Saul Hinojosa has served as the superintendent of Somerset Independent School District for the past 12 years.

Julee Becker
As superintendent of Slaton Independent School District in Slaton, Texas, Julee Becker has successfully implemented and maintained NIET structures in an 82% low-SES educational community.

Patrick Patrick W. Mapes
As superintendent of Perry Township Schools in Indianapolis, Indiana, Patrick Mapes has led efforts to improve instructional quality and student academic performance, resulting in NIET's Award of Excellence for Educator Effectiveness in 2018.

Dr. Betsy Hargrove
As superintendent of the Avondale Elementary School District in Arizona since 2012, Dr. Betsy Hargrove has led the district to outperform the state in student achievement three years in a row.

Dr. Lamar Goree
As superintendent of Caddo Parish Public Schools in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Lamar Goree has turned the tide for a district he entered amid an academic and equity crisis.

Dr. Cade Brumley
As superintendent of Jefferson Parish Public Schools, Dr. Cade Brumley has led an aggressive effort to rapidly improve outcomes for America’s 98th largest school system.

Dr. Fernando Valle
Fernando Valle currently serves as an associate professor of educational leadership at Texas Tech University.

Dr. Patsy Jenkins
Patsy Jenkins is chair of the Department of Education at Louisiana State University of Alexandria.

Dr. Paula Summers Calderon
Dr. Paula Summers Calderon is dean of the College of Education at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana.

Dr. Kenith C. Britt
As the founding dean of the Fred S. Klipsch Educators College at Marian University, Dr. Kenith C. Britt launched an innovative new program designed to recruit and prepare a more talented and diverse education workforce to drive improvement in schools.

John White
Louisiana Superintendent John White has worked to improve early childhood education, modernize curriculum, prepare educators, provide pathways to prosperity for all high school graduates, and provide families with expansive school options.

Kristan Van Hook

Patrice Pujol

Joshua Barnett

Candice McQueen
