ONEIDA | Oneida Elementary School Principal Ashley Billingsley has been named a member of the 2027 National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s Teacher Leader Fellows cohort, the organization announced Tuesday.
Billingsley was one of 12 educators selected from a pool of applicants from across the country. She is in her first full year as principal at OES after previously serving as assistant principal at the school for four years.
“I am proud to welcome Ashley Billingsley into the 2027 NIET Teacher Leader Fellows cohort,” said NIET chief executive officer Dr. Joshua Barnett. “This fellowship reflects NIET’s commitment to build educator excellence and empower outstanding teacher leaders who are strengthening instruction and accelerating student success.”
Billingsley comes from a family of educators, and believes strong schools are built through teamwork, consistency, and willingness to keep learning and improving.
“I’m so excited to be a part of this program,” she said. “I believe leadership is about building people, not just managing a school. The best schools grow when teachers feel supported, trusted, and challenged to lead in ways that positively impact students beyond their own classroom. As a leader, I want to create a culture where we continuously reflect on our practices, learn from student evidence, and work together to make sure every decision is centered around what is best for kids.”
The NIET Teacher Leader Fellows Program was created with educator effectiveness in mind, bringing together teacher leaders from partner schools nationwide who demonstrate exceptional implementation of NIET’s principles, emphasizing educator excellence and advancing student success.
“Ashley’s leadership has helped build a culture centered on collaboration, reflection, and student achievement at Oneida Elementary School,” said Oneida Special School District interim director Kelly Chitwood. “We are thrilled to see her recognized as a NIET Teacher Leader FEllow and know she will bring valuable learning back to our district.”
The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching is a national nonprofit based in Phoenix, Ariz., that serves states and districts nationwide.
