NIET Fellows Program

The NIET Fellows Program is a one-year training program for teacher leaders in districts currently partnering with NIET. It is designed to provide teacher leaders with opportunities to deepen their knowledge of NIET’s systems of improvement in order to more effectively support the work taking place within and beyond their school and district. The first cohort of fellows will begin the program in July 2024. Through the Fellows Program, candidates will BUILD their skills to advance educator effectiveness by: 

• Building a strong foundational understanding of leadership best practices
• Understanding how leadership structures provide opportunities to grow and support their own learning and the learning of their colleagues
• Increasing foundational perspective and understanding of the role successful distributed leadership plays
• Learning how instructional practices lead to positive change in districts and schools
• Deepening their instructional skills and their abilities to coach others

Fellowship Structure and Responsibilities

Over the course of the year-long fellowship, fellows will take on a variety of responsibilities through which they will engage in multiple types of professional development.

Fellows will attend the following:

• Fellows Boot Camp (5 days/4 nights)
• National Conference (3 days/3 nights)
• NSI Conference (5 days/4 nights)

Fellows will:

• Assist in developing sessions and delivering sessions at NSI
• Be released for five days during the school year to travel to other districts regionally and shadow NIET’s Senior Specialist providing support
• Deepen their knowledge of NIET’s systems of improvement
• Write one blog post and create one video that will be used on NIET’s social media
• Provide feedback to NIET on the NIET Fellows Program

Fellows will maintain their employment as a full-time district employee (including salary and benefits aligned with their district’s salary schedule and structure), while being released from their district to participate in the program activities throughout the year.

Eligibility

The applicant must:

• Be a teacher leader working in a district that currently partners with NIET
• Have at least five years of experience in the classroom and/or supporting other educators in an active NIET partnership district

If you have any questions or would like further information, send an email to fellows@niet.org

Program Timeline 

Fellows are expected to participate in the Fellowship’s professional learning experiences from July 2024 through June 2025.

Stipend

Each fellow will receive a $10,000 stipend from NIET for their participation.

Fellows Cohort of 2024

Erica Faust, Master Teacher, Ouachita Parish Schools, Louisiana

Erica Faust received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from University of Southern Mississippi and her Master of Art in Teaching from Louisiana Tech University, where she is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Educational Leadership. She began her career in education at her high school alma mater as a pre-Algebra and Transition to Algebra teacher in 2006 and has taken on leadership opportunities throughout her tenure. Currently, she serves as a master teacher at Richwood Middle School, a role she has held since 2018. Faust has a passion for education and is committed to ensuring the success of students through supporting teachers.

Emily McLellan, Master Teacher, Iberville Parish Schools, Louisiana

Emily McLellan received her Bachelor of Arts in English, Secondary Education, and her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Louisiana State University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. She began her career in education in 2014 as a secondary English teacher and has maintained the position of Master Teacher at White Castle High School since 2020. Throughout McLellan's tenure, she has developed a strong foundation in best practices in education, including data-driven instruction, shared leadership, and a strong belief in continuous growth.

Jessica Ockman, Master Teacher, Ascension Public Schools, Louisiana

Jessica Ockman received both her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and her Masters in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University. She holds 20 years of teaching experience all in Ascension Parish at three schools, with nine of those years serving as a TAP instructional leader. As a current master teacher at Donaldsonville Primary School, she provides support to 25 teachers. Ockman considers herself a lead learner and is always looking for opportunities to grow her capacity as a school leader while continuing to provide coaching and support at some of the highest-need schools in Ascension Parish.

Kelsey Brown, Master Teacher, Laurens County School District 55, South Carolina 

Kelsey Brown received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University, her Master in Education Teaching from University of South Carolina, and her principal certificate from Lamar University. She began her career in education in 2012 and has primarily taught 2nd and 3rd grades, and is now starting her new role at Hickory Tavern Elementary and Middle School as a Master Teacher this year. Brown maintains a professional goal to motivate teachers, improve academic performance, increase parent engagement, and build rapport with students and faculty in order to improve overall school performance.

Latonzia Beavers, Master Teacher, Natchitoches Parish Schools, Louisiana

Latonzia Beavers completed her Alternative Certification Program and Master of Arts in Teaching from Northwestern State University after working for several years in the field of social work. She began her career in education in 2011 as a classroom teacher and has taught at both the elementary and middle grades levels. In 2021, Beavers moved into a master teacher role at Natchitoches Magnet School, where she still serves. Her professional goal is to continue to contribute positively to an educational institution dedicated to academic excellence and student success.

Paloma Peralta Carrillo, Master Teacher, Gadsden Elementary School District #32, Arizona

Paloma Peralta Carrillo received both her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Education in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University. She is currently pursuing a second Master's degree in Educational Leadership with a principal certificate. Peralta Carrillo began her career in education in 2016 as a 5th-grade teacher at Desert View Elementary School and moved into a Master Teacher role at Ed Pastor Elementary School in 2021, where she still serves supporting primary grades and the special education teachers.

Sarah Phillips, Master Teacher, Perry Township Schools, Indiana

Sarah Phillips received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Indianapolis and her Master of Science in Education from Indiana University. She entered the field of education in 2004 as a teacher at Abraham Lincoln Elementary and has been there ever since. After serving seven years as a classroom teacher, she held a Mentor Teacher role for one year before moving into the master teacher role in 2012, where she still serves. She strives to enhance her current skills to collaborate and support others in education.

Jessica Carmean, Master Teacher, Jefferson Parish Schools, Louisiana

Jessica Carmean has been an educator in Jefferson Parish Schools for 11 years. For the past five years, Carmean has been a Master Teacher at Bissonet Plaza School. She has also led professional development as a Content Leader Fellow in ELA and Math, fostered school improvement on the Instructional Leadership Team, partnered with NIET for a two-year Literacy Cohort Initiative in Jefferson Parish, and participated in Jefferson Parish’s aspiring leaders program called “Operation LEAD.” Carmean holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University.

Stephen Prince, Master Teacher, Cross County School District, Arkansas

Stephen Prince received both his Bachelor of Science in Education: Mid-level Education and Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. He began his career in education in 2005 as a high school English teacher after spending several years in the food service industry. As an experienced educator with 18 years of teaching and learning experience, Prince is excitedly transitioning into a Master Teacher role at Cross County High School for the 2024-2025 school year where his strong commitment to educational equity and passion for instructional excellence will serve the school well.

William Mock, Executive Master Teacher, Somerset ISD, Texas

William Mock received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from University of North Carolina at Pembroke and entered the field of education as a secondary math teacher. With teaching experience in Jacksonville, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; and Somerset, Texas, he brings a wealth of experience and adaptability to his roles. Mock currently serves as an executive Master Teacher at Somerset High School, a role he has held since 2020. He has a track record of driving innovation and fostering growth and serves as a trusted resource for instruction, technology integration, and leadership.

Haley Wood, Assistant Principal, Warren County Schools, Tennessee 

Haley Wood received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Middle Tennessee State University and her Master of Arts: Reading Specialist from Tennessee Technological University and has a Specialist in Education: Educational Leadership degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Wood began her career in education in 2012 as a second-grade teacher. Since then, she has transitioned into a building-level instructional coach and most recently has served as a district-level instructional coach. Wood will assume the role of assistant principal at Dibrell Elementary School in the fall of 2024, where she will continue to positively impact the Warren County Schools community.

Laura Hershberger, Master Teacher, Avondale Elementary School District, Arizona

Laura Hershberger received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an ESL endorsement and two Masters in Education in Reading and Science & Math from Arizona State University. Additionally, she is a National Board Certified Teacher. Hershberger began her career as a preschool teacher and then taught at the elementary level for over a decade and served as a mentor teacher for three years. In 2012, she transitioned into a master teacher role, which she still holds. She is also a co-instructor at Arizona State University in the Educational Studies program. Overall, Hershberger strives to impact student learning by impacting teacher best practices.