National Institute for Excellence in Teaching unveiled the finalists for the 2026 NIET Fellows cohort.
Candace Shaidaee, of Southside Elementary in Denham Springs, is one of those selected.
The one-year program is designed to help selected educators deepen their knowledge of NIET’s systems of improvement to more effectively support the work taking place in their school and district, a press release said.
“I’m excited to invite Candace Shaidaee into our second cohort of the NIET Fellows Program,” said NIET CEO Joshua Barnett. “For 25 years, we have seen the work of effective educators, like those joining us in this fellows program, be the driver of success within schools, districts and communities. We look forward to learning alongside Candace and this cohort by providing opportunities to elevate instructional practices and apply them within and beyond their classrooms.”
Shaidaee is one of 11 selected out of a competitive pool of applicants from across the country. She was raised in Jarreau and earned a bachelor of arts in mass communication from LSU and a master’s in educational leadership from LSU-Shreveport.
“I’m thrilled to join the second cohort of the NIET Fellows Program and deepen my learning as an educator,” Shaidaee said. “Teacher leadership empowers educators to be the change they wish to see in our schools, directly shaping the culture of growth and perseverance within a school. Throughout my journey, I've strived to lead by example, hoping that one day, some of those I have helped to guide will look back and say, ‘Because of you, I didn’t give up.’ This mindset has deeply influenced my growth as a leader, pushing me to inspire, support, and uplift those around me every day.”
Over the years, she has taught high school French, speech and drama, as well as third and fourth grades. She spent six years as an instructional coach at Southside Elementary.
In 2025, Shaidaee accepted a position as a literacy mentor and will be supporting teachers in 12 Livingston Parish schools with high and growing English-language learners and special education populations.
“Congratulations to Candace, who represents Livingston Parish Public Schools’ commitment to ensuring the success of students,” said Livingston Parish Public Schools Superintendent Jody W. Purvis.
“Her most recent role as literacy mentor will continue to drive achievement for a dozen schools within our district, and we look forward to implementing the strategies and skills she will bring back to her fellow educators here in Livingston Parish. We are proud to see her recognized as a part of the NIET Fellows Program.”