We are so proud of the work of the students, staff, and families of Northview Middle School that resulted in this national recognition!  

Check-out the official award video here!

See the full press release here or below!

See the award reaction video here!

See our reaction photos reaction photos here!

At the NIET National Conference, there was an additional 1-minute video shown at the awards lunch when they announced the five schools that were finalists from across the country.

Indiana’s Northview Middle School Surprised with National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s Founder’s Award and $50,000 Grand Prize

April 1, 2026

New Orleans, La. (April 1, 2026) - The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) announced today that Northview Middle School in Metropolitan School District of Washington Township, Indiana, is the recipient of the 2026 NIET Founder’s Award and its $50,000 grand prize. NIET Founder Lowell Milken surprised the school during the 2026 NIET National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Created by Lowell Milken in 2008, the Founder’s Award honors one school in the United States each year for exceptional implementation of NIET’s principles to build educator excellence and advance student success. Northview Middle School was just one of five schools nationwide selected as finalists for the $50,000 grand prize. Founder’s Award recipients are chosen by NIET based on several factors, including improving classroom instruction, creating high-quality professional learning focused on the real-time needs of teachers and students, and engaging teacher leaders and school leaders in building a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

“We are pleased to present Northview Middle School with the 2026 NIET Founder’s Award,” said NIET Founder Lowell Milken. “Principal Thomas Hakim, Superintendent Dr. Sean Taylor, and staff and students have demonstrated outstanding academic gains by strengthening instruction and building a nurturing environment for all.”

With help from NIET best practices, Northview Middle School provides teachers with tailored professional learning and support that ultimately moves the needle for students. From 2023 to 2025, the percentage of Northview Middle School students scoring Proficient on state assessments increased 22 points in math and 11 points in English Language Arts (ELA). The proficiency rate statewide increased by only one point in math and decreased in ELA during the same time period. 

“Northview Middle School has made building the instructional skills of its staff the foundation of its focus on continuous improvement,” said NIET Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Barnett. “Teachers are strengthening their instruction and refining practices to meet student needs across grades and subjects. As a result, students are thriving. Congratulations to the Northview Middle School team on this achievement.”

We understand that the uncertainty around SNAP benefits will create challenges for many families and we want to offer support during this time. Here is a list of community supports that may benefit your family. Washington Township School Social Workers connect families to school and community resources. Please reach out to your school social worker if you have questions, need support or want to know how you can help. 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES