Louisiana Educator Latonzia Beavers Selected for Prestigious National Teacher Leadership Program

NACHITOCHES, LA (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 Latonzia Beavers from Natchitoches Magnet School at Natchitoches Parish Schools in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Beavers 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 proud to recognize Latonzia Beavers from Natchitoches Parish Schools in Louisiana as a member of the first cohort of the NIET Fellows Program," said NIET CEO Dr. Joshua Barnett. "This fellowship will offer successful teacher leaders from across the country a unique chance to refine their skills, driving significant improvements in teaching and learning."

Beavers has worked as an instructional specialist master teacher for three years and has been in the educational field for 14 years after making a pivot from her career in social work serving families in need. She completed her Alternative Certification Program and Master of Arts in Teaching from Northwestern State University and moved into a Master Teacher role at Natchitoches Magnet School in 2021, where she still serves.

“Latonzia is so dynamic in her role as a Master Teacher and we are thrilled to celebrate her selection for the NIET Fellows Program,” said Natchitoches Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi. “Latonzia leads with a growth mindset and prioritizes teacher instructional excellence and student outcomes. She has already made significant contributions to her colleagues and we look forward to her continued growth and impact on student outcomes in our district.”

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 am inspired by this opportunity to work alongside passionate educators who share a commitment to advancing student achievement and educational equity,” Beavers said. “The most effective leaders are those who empower others, and the best teachers are empowering the next generation of leaders.”

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.