Arizona Educator Laura Hershberger Selected for Prestigious National Teacher Leadership Program

AVONDALE, AZ (July 23, 2024) -  Twelve teacher leaders from across the country will join the inaugural class for the NIET Fellows Program. The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching is among the largest trainers of teacher leaders, with more than 35,000 teacher leaders trained to date. The new NIET Fellows Program selects teacher leaders for a dynamic one-year program to deepen their knowledge of instructional best practices and more effectively support the work taking place within and beyond their school and district. 

Among the distinguished fellows is Laura Hershberger from Copper Trails Elementary School at Avondale Elementary School District in Avondale, Arizona. Hershberger was one of just 12 selected to be a part of the fellowship and receive a $10,000 stipend out of nearly 250 applicants from across the country. 

"As a national leader in developing teacher leadership roles, NIET is thrilled to welcome Laura Hershberger from Avondale Elementary School District in Arizona to the first cohort of the NIET Fellows Program," said NIET CEO Dr. Joshua Barnett. "We selected 12 exemplary educators from nearly 250 applicants from our national network of teacher leaders. This fellowship will provide these talented teacher leaders with unparalleled opportunities to enhance their instructional practices and student outcomes and contribute to the success of their district and school."

Hershberger has more than 25 years of teaching experience and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She has excelled in diverse roles across Arizona, including at Arizona State University. From K-2 classroom teacher to TAP mentor and Master Teacher, she has shaped education at every level. Hershberger’s impact extends through curriculum committees, professional development initiatives, and educator training. A proud Arizona native and Arizona State University alumna with a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees in education, she embodies lifelong learning and a passion for educational excellence.

“We are thrilled to see Laura recognized and selected as a member of the NIET Fellows Program,”  said Avondale Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Betsy Hargrove. “She has worked with Avondale Elementary School District for 24 years and her unwavering commitment to students, fellow educators, and quality instructional practice is commendable. We know her participation in this program will deepen her instructional leadership and will positively impact our entire school community."

The NIET Fellows Program was created with educator effectiveness in mind, bringing together teacher leaders from partner schools nationwide who demonstrate exceptional implementation of NIET's principles, emphasizing educator excellence and advancing student success. Throughout the year-long fellowship, fellows will participate in professional development activities designed to enhance their leadership capabilities, including an introductory boot camp and involvement with two signature NIET events throughout the year - the 2025 NIET National Conference and the 2025 NIET Summer Institute. Each fellow will regionally travel to shadow NIET’s Senior Specialists while maintaining their full-time employment status, including salary and benefits, with their respective districts while being released to participate in program activities throughout the year.

“I’m so excited to join the NIET Fellows Program this year and further grow my skills with fellow teacher leaders across the country,” Hershberger said. “Teacher leadership is not just a role, it is the vehicle that pushes teachers and learners toward success, steering classrooms towards brighter futures."

NIET has over 20 years of experience in developing teacher leaders, supporting successful instructional strategies, and building educator capacity to address student needs. NIET partners with schools, districts, states, and universities to ensure all students are taught by effective educators. Through these partnerships, NIET has served more than 9,000 schools and has impacted more than 300,000 teachers and 3 million students.

Read more about the NIET Fellows Program and meet the other 2024-25 fellows here.