Little Rock, Arkansas – Two Arkansas educators have earned national recognition after being selected for the 2027 National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) Teacher Leader Fellows Program, a year-long fellowship designed to strengthen instructional leadership and improve student outcomes.
Chase Fowler of Trumann High School and Amanda Perring of Riverview Intermediate School were among 12 educators nationwide chosen for the prestigious cohort. The educators were selected through a competitive process that recognized teachers who have demonstrated leadership, commitment to professional growth and a strong focus on helping students succeed.
Over the next year, Fowler and Perring will take part in advanced professional development focused on NIET’s systems of improvement. The program will provide opportunities for the fellows to expand their leadership skills, collaborate with educators from across the country and bring new ideas back to their local school districts.
NIET Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Barnett welcomed the new fellows and highlighted the importance of developing strong teacher leaders in schools.
The fellowship “reflects NIET’s commitment to build educator excellence and empower outstanding teacher leaders who are strengthening instruction and accelerating student success.”
Fowler currently serves as a Mentor Teacher and student services coordinator at Trumann High School, where he works to support both students and educators. His role includes advocating for student needs while helping teachers improve classroom practices and instruction.
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He earned degrees from Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas, including a Master of Arts in History and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership.
Fowler said being selected for the fellowship represents an important opportunity to continue developing as an educator and leader. He described teacher leadership as “the art of finding avenues of self-empowerment and self-efficacy and cooperatively creating opportunities for those kinds of meaningful change.”
He also emphasized that successful schools depend on collaboration and a shared commitment among educators, administrators and communities.
Trumann School District Superintendent Brandie Williams praised Fowler’s achievement, saying his selection reflects his dedication to improving education and supporting others.
Williams described the honor as “a testament to his passion for teacher leadership and student success.”
Perring, the second Arkansas educator selected for the fellowship, serves as the instructional facilitator at Riverview Intermediate School. In that position, she works closely with teachers to strengthen instruction, support professional learning and create better opportunities for students.
Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Mid-Level Education and a Master’s in Reading from Harding University. She also holds an endorsement in Curriculum and Instruction Administration.
Before becoming an instructional facilitator, Perring spent 12 years teaching students from kindergarten through sixth grade in Oklahoma and Arkansas. During that time, she developed a strong interest in literacy, instructional improvement and helping both teachers and students reach their potential.
Perring said effective teacher leadership means helping others grow while keeping students as the central focus.
“I believe teacher leadership is about growing the capacity and agency of others while keeping our students at the heart of every decision,” Perring said. “My goal is to help create a culture where both students and educators are continuously learning and thriving.”
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Riverview School District Superintendent Susan Blockburger praised Perring’s selection, saying she represents the values of teamwork and ongoing improvement within the district.
Blockburger said Perring “exemplifies the collaborative leadership and commitment to continuous improvement that define Riverview School District.”
Throughout the fellowship, participants will complete a variety of learning experiences, including an introductory boot camp, regional travel opportunities where they will work alongside NIET Senior Specialists and participation in major events such as the 2027 NIET National Conference and the 2027 NIET Summer Institute.
Although the fellows will remain employed by their school districts, they will receive time away from regular duties to participate in fellowship activities and professional development.
The program is designed not only to develop individual educators but also to help strengthen schools by creating leaders who can share knowledge, support colleagues and contribute to long-term improvements in teaching and learning.
For Fowler and Perring, the fellowship represents an opportunity to expand their impact beyond their own classrooms and continue building stronger educational communities throughout Arkansas and beyond.
