National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

10/01/2026

Happy National Principals Month! 🌟🏫

October is all about spotlighting the people who are dedicated to leading schools with excellence, fostering growth, and helping their school communities thrive. We’re highlighting principal stories from across the country all month long.

Know a principal making an impact? Share it with us! Tag us in your stories and use to help us shine a spotlight on the school leaders driving change every day.

09/30/2026

What makes professional learning effective? 💭

More than 1,400 teachers across 8 states in NIET partner districts shared what works and two important elements are clear.

Teachers are far more likely apply professional learning when:
✅ It aligns with teachers' evaluation feedback
✅ It includes frequent, individualized support from teacher leaders

NIET CEO Josh Barnett explores these findings and more in Education Week's article, “Over 1,400 Teachers Surveyed on Professional Learning. Here’s What They Said.” 📝 Read the full article on Education Week’s website.

09/25/2026

Recognizing excellence matters 🌟

To accompany Melissa Martin's story, a short video featuring Lowell Milken and the community at Chinle Elementary School - previous NIET Founder's Award finalist - is out now.

Click the link below to watch and subscribe to the Lowell Milken Universe channel for more uplifting stories and conversations.

Chinle Unified School District No. 24
Lowell Milken Family Foundation
Arizona Department of Education

09/25/2026

09/24/2026

"The [instructional] rubric really clarified this is what's within the teachers control but it's not about the teacher, it's about what the students are doing." — Melissa Martin, Chinle Unified School District No. 24, Arizona

See the full episode - Coming Home to Lead - on the Lowell Milken Universe YouTube channel ▶️

Lowell Milken Family Foundation
Arizona Department of Education

09/23/2026

Through high-quality instructional materials and sustained support for educators, Tennessee is showcasing excellent progress in improving student outcomes.

While this progress is inspiring, ranking Tennessee 4th among 35 states in reading gains from 2022-2025, the work is not finished.

Through our work with the Tennessee Literacy Implementation Network and now the Early Literacy Implementation Network, NIET is supporting districts by building strong systems for collaboration, coaching, and professional learning.

Read further on our website to learn more about what’s next for literacy instruction in Tennessee. 📖👇

Clinton City Schools
Tennessee Department of Education

09/23/2026

What a great conversation with an amazing educator. 👏 Melissa Martin shares her journey from student to teacher, coach, and principal in Chinle Unified School District No. 24, Arizona. The episode explores how mentorship, community roots, and NIET’s instructional support help educators create new possibilities for students.

📽️ Watch the full feature now on the Lowell Milken Universe YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/4hhOX1L

Lowell Milken Family Foundation
Arizona Department of Education

09/23/2026

What happens when students return to lead the schools that shaped them?

For Melissa Martin, coming home meant helping the next generation see what was possible.

In this new episode of Conversations with Lowell Milken, Melissa shares her journey from student to teacher and school leader in Chinle, Arizona, in the Navajo Nation. She reflects on the mentors who believed in her, the strength of her community, and how support from NIET helped educators grow together.

Some of the students she once taught have become teachers themselves—carrying that impact forward.

Help bring her story to more classrooms and communities. Watch the full conversation, share it with an educator who has made a difference in your life, and subscribe to Lowell Milken Universe for the conversations ahead.

▶ Watch here: https://youtu.be/vl4GLkByNoI

09/18/2026

"A good teacher goes a long way." - Senator Todd Young

Excited to hear from Sen. Young and Sec. Jenner - voices who have elevated teacher leadership - at RISE 2026!

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute

09/16/2026

We're thrilled to see the launch of Conversations with Lowell Milken - showcasing direct conversations with educators to spark ideas and learnings. Check out the videos now and stay tuned for more to come! 📽️