2016 TAP Founder's Award Finalists

At Clarendon Elementary School in Phoenix, Arizona, a finalist for the TAP Founder's Award, the TAP System is helping teachers and students alike at Clarendon Elementary School analyze data to set goals, create action steps and monitor progress. From left, Dr. Gary Stark, CEO of NIET; Theresa Nickolich, principal of Clarendon Elementary; and Lowell Milken, NIET chairman and TAP founder. 

Dodson Branch Elementary School in Cookeville, Tennessee, a TAP Founder's Award finalist, says implementing the TAP System has transformed the campus into a first-choice destination for teachers. From left, NIET CEO Dr. Gary Stark; Dodson Branch Elementary School Principal Tammy Woolbright; and NIET Chairman and TAP Founder Lowell Milken.

Jimmy Armstrong, principal of TAP Founder's Award finalist Greer Middle College Charter High School in Taylors, South Carolina, describes his school's TAP Leadership Team as a "cohesive unit" that "systematically supports and develops all staff." From left: NIET CEO Dr. Gary Stark; Greer Middle College Charter High School Principal Jimmy Armstrong; and NIET Chairman and TAP Founder Lowell Milken. 

The TAP System helps Mansfield High School, a TAP Founder's Award finalist, recruit high-quality teachers to Louisiana's rural DeSoto Parish. From left: NIET CEO Dr. Gary Stark; Mansfield High School Principal Sedric Clark; and NIET Chairman and TAP Founder Lowell Milken.

The TAP System is so ingrained into the culture at TAP Founder's Award finalist Somerset High School in Somerset, Texas, that training begins during the hiring process. From left: NIET CEO Dr. Gary Stark; Somerset High School Principal Angela Martinez; and NIET Chairman and TAP Founder Lowell Milken.

Dr. Danny Mendez, principal of TAP Founder's Award finalist Southport Elementary School in Indianapolis, Indiana, has described his school as "empowered, reflective and limitless" as a result of TAP’s implementation there beginning in the 2011-12 school year. From left, NIET CEO Dr. Gary Stark; Southport Elementary School Principal Dr. Danny Mendez; and NIET Chairman and TAP Founder Lowell Milken.