Instructional Insights

How Coaching and Mentoring Are Strengthened by Arkansas’ Two Teacher Leader Roles

Submitted by the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

Arkansas educators are embracing stronger leadership roles as the state invests in advancing teacher quality and student outcomes under the LEARNS Act. At the core of this investment are two complementary designations: the Lead Professional Educator Designation and the Master Professional Educator Designation, both of which the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) provides pathways to achieve. But what is the difference between these two designations, and how do they work together to strengthen school systems across the state?

Earning the Lead Professional Educator Designation with NIET empowers teachers to become effective mentors in their schools by guiding PLCs and strengthening research-based practices in every classroom. So far, more than 800 Arkansas teachers have earned the LEAD designation through NIET’s pathway training. “Every part of it I could immediately use,” Southwest Junior High Assistant Principal Emma Clay in Springdale Public Schools said about the pathway training she received as a teacher leader. “It made me feel more confident and grounded.”

NIET’s Master Professional Educator Designation Pathway is a direct and powerful pairing to the Lead Professional Educator Designation, furthering the state’s strategy to accelerate student learning and ensure new teachers are supported by accomplished classroom leaders. Participants focus on elevating their coaching skills - strengthening ELA and Math strategies through analyzing student work data, building reflective systems, and advancing their leadership skills to elevate the educators they support.

One resource that is extending and individualizing support for teacher leaders seeking to strengthen their coaching and mentoring skills is EE PASS, a video content library available to districts. EE PASS provides indepth models and lessons to hone the skills of every educator, including those who received the Lead and Master Educator designations through NIET pathways.

To learn more about NIET’s designation pathways and EE PASS resources, contact NIET’s Executive-in-Residence Karli Saracini at ksaracini@niet.org or Central Region Director Amy Gayle at agayle@niet.org.