An East Tennessee educator will join a distinguished group of peers to further her skills.¶
The Tennessee Department of Education announced that Oneida Elementary School Principal Ashley Billingsley was selected for the 2027 cohort of The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) Leader Fellows Program. Billingsley is among 13 educators selected from across the United States to join the group.¶
She will participate in a one-year program to deepen her understanding of best instructional practices to better support her work at her school and within the Oneida Special School District.¶
“NIET's selection is a powerful testament to the talent, dedication, and innovation thriving within our schools. Mrs. Ashley Billingsley’s leadership under NIET’s coaching provides invaluable opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with peers nationwide, and the development of skills that will directly benefit our students, teachers, and entire school community,” Oneida Special School District Director Dr. Jeanny Phillips said. “At Oneida, we remain deeply committed to investing in our educators because we know that great teachers are the foundation of great schools, and most of all, we look forward to celebrating and following the leadership skills of Mrs. Billingsley.”¶
What is the Leader Fellows Program?
The NIET Teacher Leader Fellows Program is a one-year experience for teacher leaders in K–12 schools designed to help participants strengthen their understanding of NIET’s improvement systems. The next cohort kicks off in summer 2026. Through the program, fellows will build their skills to strengthen educator effectiveness by:¶
- 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.
“We are very proud of Ashley Billingsley's commitment to supporting students and educators while representing Tennessee with pride,” Commissioner of Education Lizette Reynolds said. “Ashley's leadership and dedication reflect the innovation and excellence taking place in classrooms across our state. We value her efforts to enhance teaching methods, boost student success, and serve as a strong ambassador for Tennessee's commitment to educational achievement.”¶
Billingsley will be awarded a $7,500 stipend, engage in professional development activities, and shadow NIET’s local team to improve her coaching abilities.¶
