Dr. Patrice Pujol serves as senior executive-in-residence at the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET). In this role, she is responsible for the advancement of NIET's strategic plan and business development activities. She also oversees NIET's brand development as well as promotes NIET's national message and mission to improve educator effectiveness. 

Patrice joins NIET after a prestigious career in Ascension Public Schools, Louisiana, where her leadership and the district's significant learning gains propelled her to state and national recognition. She was selected as Louisiana's 2015 Superintendent of the Year and was among four finalists for National Superintendent of the Year, an honor presented by AASA: The School Superintendents Association.

During her career in education, Patrice served in a variety of capacities, including a teacher, administrator and district director. She took the helm of Ascension Public Schools in 2010, making history as the parish's first female superintendent.

Ascension Parish has been a model district for the state and nation in the area of educator effectiveness. Under Patrice's leadership, Ascension Public Schools earned an A district rating for four consecutive years in Louisiana's accountability system and is currently ranked fourth in the state. The district's work has been cited in national reports outlining federal policy recommendations to improve America's K-12 educational landscape.

Patrice developed strong expertise in NIET's services through the implementation of the TAP System for Teacher and Student Advancement in several Ascension schools. Lessons from TAP are shared with the other schools throughout the district.

A two-time graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, Patrice earned a Bachelor of Science in French education and a doctorate in educational leadership. She also received a Master of Education in curriculum and supervision from Louisiana State University.