Arizona Educator Paloma Peralta Carrillo Selected for Prestigious National Teacher Leadership Program

SAN LUIS, 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 Paloma Peralta Carrillo from Ed Pastor Elementary at Gadsden Elementary School District #32 in San Luis, Arizona. Peralta Carrillo 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. 

“I am excited to welcome Paloma Peralta Carrillo from Gadsden Elementary School District #32 in Arizona to the first cohort of the NIET Fellows Program," said NIET CEO Dr. Joshua Barnett. "This fellowship will offer 12 of the most effective teacher leaders from our national network a unique chance to refine their skills, drive significant improvements in teaching and learning, and contribute to their district."

Peralta Carrillo received both her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Education in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University. She is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership with a principal certificate. Peralta Carrillo began her career in education in 2016 as a 5th-grade teacher at Desert View Elementary School and moved into a Master Teacher role at Ed Pastor Elementary School in 2021, where she still serves supporting primary grades and special education teachers. 

"We are incredibly proud of Paloma’s selection for the 2024 NIET Fellows Program,” said Gadsden Elementary School District #32 Superintendent Lizette Esparza. “Her leadership and dedication to uplifting her peers, particularly teachers in primary grades and special education teachers, are qualities reflective of our entire district and community. This experience will undoubtedly enhance her instructional skills and, in turn, support her school and we couldn't be more excited to foster that growth alongside NIET." 

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.

“Teacher leadership has impacted my professional growth by helping me become more reflective, collaborative, and committed to working toward the achievement of all students and teachers. I’m thrilled to continue that growth with NIET this year,” Peralta Carrillo said. “I look forward to taking the skills and practices I learn through this fellowship back to my school to support those I work with.”

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.