Two University of Southern Mississippi (USM) alumnae who are leaders in PK-12 education are taking their skill set to the next level through a competitive fellowship sponsored by a national organization committed to improving student achievement through investment in teaching excellence.
Jessica Carmean and Erica Faust, master teachers in Louisiana’s Jefferson and Ouachita Parish Schools, respectively, are two of only 12 educators from across the country selected for the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s (NIET) inaugural NIET Fellows program. The stated purpose of this one-year training program is to “provide teacher leaders with opportunities to deepen their knowledge of NIET’s systems of improvement in order to more effectively support the work taking place within and beyond their school and district.”
The program’s goals for developing skills to advance educator effectiveness include:
- Building a strong foundational understanding of leadership best practices
- Understanding how leadership structures provide opportunities to grow and support their own learning and the learning of their colleagues
- Increasing foundational perspective and understanding of the role successful distributed leadership plays
- Learning how instructional practices lead to positive change in districts and schools
- Deepening their instructional skills and their abilities to coach others
Members of the cohort began their professional development in the program with a Fellows Boot Camp in July; other activities include two signature NIET events throughout the year – the 2025 NIET National Conference and the 2025 NIET Summer Institute. NIET Fellows will also shadow NIET’s Senior Specialists while maintaining full-time employment status throughout the school year. The fellowship comes with a $10,000 stipend.
Carmean is beginning her twelfth year at Bissonet Plaza Elementary School and sixth year as a Master Teacher; a native of Gretna, La., she also attended Jefferson Parish Schools for part of her primary education and says she holds “a deep commitment and connection to the district and its students.”
“I want students to know their worth, build their confidence, and I want to guide them toward the future they deserve,” Carmean said in reflecting on what motivates her as an educator. “I truly believe every student deserves the best education from a high-quality and effective educator. And every day, I work to elevate student and teacher outcomes through positive interactions, effective coaching, and best practices.”
“I’m looking forward to my continued professional development on student analysis and instructional best practices through the NIET Fellow program, and excited to bring this work back to my campus and district to create positive changes.”
Carmean earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Miss with endorsements in English, social studies and reading; she was named “Outstanding Elementary Education Teacher Candidate” in her senior year and counts Dr. Ann Sylvest as an influential and caring faculty mentor. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, the Student Government Association, and the student recruitment team Southern Style, the latter for which she credits in helping build her leaderships skills under its former director, Dr. Wynde Jones.
“We were delighted to hear about both Carmean and Faust’s selection as inaugural NIET fellows,” said Dr. Trent Gould, dean of the USM College of Education and Human Sciences. “They are the walking embodiment of our mission to teach, lead and serve in our communities. We are so proud of both of these Golden Eagles.”
Carmean also cited Southern Miss President Dr. Joe Paul for being a positive influence and inspiring her to reach her potential.
“I’ve always admired how he listens intently to members of the community, speaks eloquently of our university, and cheers on every single stakeholder on campus,” she said. “I hope one day my leadership skills mirror his.”
A native of Liberty, Miss., Faust earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from USM, with a minor in pre-pharmacy. She has been an educator for nearly two decades and is currently a Master Teacher at Richwood Middle School; she has taught science, pre-algebra, and physical education.
Faust incorporates NIET practices in her work, including through teacher evaluations and in leading instructional leadership team meetings. She is also a math and science mentor, leads ongoing professional development opportunities, and supports school extracurricular activities.
Faust says being recognized as one of the first of 12 fellows selected for the inaugural NIET program is “a major accomplishment and amazing opportunity for me.”
“I’m excited to extend my knowledge of NIET structures and systems and implement them at my school this year as we continue to elevate and grow our teachers and students,” she further noted.
Faust developed a passion for teaching at an early age through involvement with her church’s youth ministry and helping her mother and grandmother babysit. After college, she accepted her first teaching assignment at her high school alma mater, Amite County High School.
“I believe my God-given purpose and passion is to have an impact on the lives of children,” she said. “It brings great joy to me when my students understand the concept of what I’m teaching, when I see them ‘get it.’”
Faust says shifting her focus in the last few years to becoming a Master Teacher has been especially rewarding, as she supports other teachers in their work to improve student outcomes.
“Richwood Middle School has shown growth this past school year, especially in math, and I’m excited to continue this work and growth as I implement new strategies I’ve learned during my NIET fellowship.”
USM College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Chris Winstead says the fact that only 12 teachers from across the nation were chosen for the inaugural NIET Fellows program speaks volumes about Faust’s work serving her school and students.
“We’re extremely proud of Erica as an alumna of Southern Miss and pleased that her hard work and dedication has been recognized by NIET,” he continued. “We look forward to her continued leadership in K-12 education.”
At Southern Miss, Faust was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, the Afro-American Student Organization, and the American Chemical Society.
“I loved my time at USM – it felt like a home away from home,” Faust reflected. “I met and became friends with so many people who I am still connected with today.”
For the past 20 years, NIET has worked in more than 8,500 schools across the country to support great teaching and raise student achievement and has trained more than 35,000 teacher leaders to date. Learn more about the NIET.