April Woolard

Senior Specialist, Innovations

awoolard@niet.org

April Woolard serves as a senior specialist on NIET’s Innovations team, supporting the implementation and management of district and school improvement services. She works with district leaders, school leaders, and teacher leaders to identify needs, strengthen instructional and leadership practices, and improve educator effectiveness and student outcomes.

April brings more than 25 years of experience in education across Texas, North Carolina, and Louisiana. Her experience spans elementary and middle school settings and includes serving as a classroom teacher, TAP Mentor Teacher, Academically and Intellectually Gifted coordinator, and assistant principal. Her broad experience allows her to understand the varied needs of students, educators, and school leaders and provide support tailored to each partnership.

A servant leader, April believes meaningful school improvement begins with strong relationships and collaboration. She serves as a thought partner to school and district leaders, helping them identify needs and strengthen instructional and leadership practices. She has contributed to several school improvement teams and served on numerous local and state education committees in Louisiana and North Carolina.

April attended Austin College, where she completed a double major and earned a master’s degree in teaching. She continued her education at Western Carolina University, earning a master’s degree in school administration.

April Woolard

Why are you passionate about working at NIET?

My passion in life is to serve others and to help mold the minds of the next generation. Being able to make an impact in the lives of students each day motivates me to develop and implement inclusive strategies that engage my students in the best way possible. That’s honestly why I became a teacher. To now be able to serve teachers which will directly impact student achievement is what motivates and excites me. NIET has empowered me to do just that! Helping to give every teacher, at every school, in every district, the tools needed to grow and nurture young minds so they can be prepared for future success. 

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy being with my family and friends. If I am not watching my son at the soccer field, I am probably watching my daughter do gymnastics. Watching them grow and mature with a love and a determination for what they do inspires me to be my best daily. I figure if they can put in the hours and hours of training to be their best, then so can I. The time spent together laughing and joking, traveling the country, and just bonding with one another is so rewarding and memorable.

Who is your favorite teacher?

My favorite teacher was Ms. Jones. She made every student feel as though they were the only student in the class. She would have a hug and a smile for all as they entered the room and truly went through the day with a smile, showing how much she loved her job. The impact she made on me and my fellow peers was huge! As educators, we have the opportunity, the responsibility, and the obligation to be that teacher for our students. It is my goal to have the same impact on the students I serve as Ms. Jones did for me.