A Partnership With NIET is Leading to Strengthened Teacher Effectiveness at Gadsden Elementary School District #32

In a 2026 District Spotlight, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) featured Arizona school district Gadsden Elementary School District #32 and NIET’s partnership in the district’s transformation of student outcomes. Once partnered with NIET, Gadsden became focused in its investment of teacher leadership and building a pipeline of leadership, leading to strengthened teacher effectiveness and earning an “A” rating from the state.

In Gadsden, we have learned that the best principals come from our master teacher roles. The leadership skills they learn in that role put them head and shoulders above other candidates for the principalship. This enables us to grow our own leaders who already have strong connections to our community and a track record of success with our students.

Bethany Loucks, Principal, Rio Colorado Elementary School, Arizona

Learn more here.