Shayla D. Canady is a Senior Specialist with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), bringing more than 18 years of experience in education across teaching, instructional leadership, and district support. Through her work with the Arkansas Rural Educators Network (AREN), Shayla has supported more than 25 school districts, partnering with rural leaders to strengthen instructional systems, develop teacher and leader capacity, and improve student outcomes through aligned, evidence-based practices.

Prior to joining NIET, Shayla served in Caddo Parish School District in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she advanced from TAP Mentor Teacher to Master Teacher and Assistant Principal of Instruction, leading instructional coaching, professional learning, and campus improvement efforts.

A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Shayla holds degrees from Southern Arkansas University and Louisiana Tech University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership.