Chase Fowler, Mentor Teacher and Student Services Coordinator, Trumann School District, Arkansas

Anderson Chase Fowler is a Mentor Teacher and student services coordinator for Trumann High School in Trumann, Arkansas. He is a graduate of Arkansas State University and University of Arkansas, where he received a Master of Arts in History and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership, respectively. In his roles, he has the opportunity to be an advocate for both students and teachers. He looks forward to positively impacting his educational community and beyond.

Amanda Perring, Instructional Facilitator, Riverview School District, Arkansas

Amanda Perring holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Mid-Level Education and a Master’s in Reading from Harding University. She spent 12 years teaching students in grades K–6 across Oklahoma and Arkansas, developing a passion for literacy, instructional growth, and student success. After a decade of teaching, she pursued an endorsement in Curriculum and Instruction Administration from Harding University to deepen her leadership skills and expand her impact beyond the classroom. Perring currently serves as the instructional facilitator at Riverview Intermediate, where she is dedicated to supporting educators, strengthening instruction, and helping all students and teachers thrive.

Amanda Merrill, Master Teacher and Instructional Leader, Osborn School District #8, Arizona

Amanda Merrill is a Master Teacher and instructional leader in Osborn School District #8 in Phoenix, Arizona. She supports school improvement efforts through instructional coaching, leadership development, and systems-focused professional learning. Beginning her career in 2010, she has served students and educators across various educational settings, resulting in campus-wide academic impact. Merrill earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and brings a strong foundation in instructional practice and educational leadership to her teachers and school systems. Merrill also served on NIET’s Educator Advisory Board, contributing educator voice and insight to national conversations surrounding instructional improvement and teacher leadership.

Valeria Orozco, Instructional Strategist, Somerton School District #11, Arizona

Valeria Orozco has dedicated the past 21 years to serving students and supporting educators through instructional leadership and lifelong learning. Currently, she serves as an instructional strategist at Somerton School District #11, where she coaches teachers, facilitates professional learning, and supports data-driven instructional practices that improve student achievement. Her professional journey has been deeply shaped by the TAP System, which provided her with the opportunity to grow through its career ladder model, beginning as a career teacher, advancing to Mentor Teacher, and later serving as a Master Teacher. These experiences strengthened her passion for collaboration, reflective practice, and instructional excellence. Orozco is committed to building strong learning communities, supporting teacher growth, and continuing to grow as a leader while contributing to the success and achievement of all students because students inspired her to pursue the rewarding path of education.

Andrea McCoy, Secondary Lead Instructional Coach, Metropolitan School District of Washington Township, Indiana

Andrea McCoy has 15 years of experience in education and currently serves as a secondary lead instructional coach. Before moving into instructional coaching, she taught middle school science and was recognized as a Top 25 Indiana Teacher of the Year. A self-proclaimed research nerd, McCoy grounds her coaching in evidence-based practices that strengthen instruction and support meaningful teacher growth. She collaborates with educators through planning, reflection, and instructional feedback to build capacity, increase student engagement, and improve student outcomes. McCoy believes effective teaching is the foundation for student success and sustained school improvement.

Andrew Jaynes, Instructional Coach, Indianapolis Public Schools, Indiana

Andrew Jaynes is currently an instructional coach at George Washington High School in Indianapolis Public Schools. Jaynes’ career as an educator has spanned over 31 years, including 27 years as a math teacher. He’s taught not only in the public sector, but in the private and collegiate areas as well. He has coached dozens of sports and chaired many clubs and extracurricular activities during that time. He is also a father to three children. When he is not volunteering to help coach his children’s sports, he is spending time at their schools and volunteering at his church and local community events.

Kiera Deloch, TAP Content Trainer, East Baton Rouge Parish School System, Louisiana

Kiera Deloch received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern University and A&M College and completed iTeach, earning certifications in 6–12 English and Family and Consumer Science. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Capella University. Deloch began her career in education as a substitute teacher before transitioning into a paraprofessional and classroom teacher. For more than a decade, she has supported students across public and charter school settings and multiple grade bands. She currently serves as a TAP Content Trainer in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, supporting Year 1 and Year 2 TAP schools.

Kimberly Gray, Instructional Coach, Bossier Parish Schools, Louisiana

With 15 years of experience spanning Connecticut and Louisiana, Kimberly Gray is an educator dedicated to empowering teachers to create lasting change in students' lives. Gray holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut. Fueling her passion for literacy, she has also earned a 6th Year Certificate in Reading from Southern Connecticut State University. Gray’s diverse career includes teaching grades K–3, serving as a PreK–12 Literacy Coach, and working in her current role as an instructional coach in Bossier City, Louisiana. Outside the classroom, she can be found working in her garden or traveling with her husband.

Joshua Knight, Instructional Coach, Richland County School District One, South Carolina

Joshua Knight is an educational leader with a proven track record of helping both students and teachers in pursuit of real learning. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Master's in Teaching from the University of Virginia. Knight has taught all levels of high school mathematics in Washington, DC and Columbia, South Carolina. As department chair and instructional leader, he has been coaching teachers, leading PLCs, and helping to set schoolwide long-range plans. In 2026, he will be moving into an instructional coaching role, diving deep into all content areas to support teaching and learning across the building.

Ashley Billingsley, Principal, Oneida Special School District, Tennessee

Ashley Billingsley is the principal of Oneida Elementary School, where she previously served as assistant principal for four years. Coming from a family of educators, education has always been more than a career to her. As a wife, mom, and school leader, Billingsley is passionate about building relationships, supporting teachers, and creating a school culture where students feel valued and challenged to grow. She believes strong schools are built through teamwork, consistency, and a willingness to keep learning and improving. Her leadership focuses on strengthening instruction, developing future leaders, and making decisions that always keep students at the center of the work.

Olivia Grubbs, Instructional Coach, Grapeland Independent School District, Texas

For over nine years, Olivia Grubbs has served as an instructional leader in K–12 education, specializing in instructional coaching, teacher development, and data-driven professional learning. She has taught Spanish, special education, biology, and English, bringing a broad classroom perspective to her coaching practice. Currently serving as an instructional coach at Grapeland Junior High in Grapeland, Texas, she focuses on strengthening instructional practice and fostering collaborative school cultures. Grubbs is committed to empowering teachers, increasing student achievement, and promoting continuous growth through meaningful, evidence-based professional learning experiences that lead to positive outcomes for both educators and students.

Nadia Perusquia, Instructional Coach, Cotulla Independent School District, Texas

Nadia Perusquia is a dedicated educator with 12 years of experience, all proudly spent serving the same campus community. Perusquia holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, along with a Second Master’s in Educational Administration. She began her career as an elementary math and science teacher and later transitioned into an instructional coaching role. She believes every student deserves access to high-quality learning experiences that support reaching their full potential, and she is committed to achieving this by empowering and developing teachers. As a Hispanic and first-generation college graduate, she carries deep gratitude for her family’s support and remains dedicated to giving back and helping others grow to expand opportunities for all students.

Catasha Edwards, Chief Academic Officer, East Baton Rouge Parish School System, Louisiana

Catasha Edwards serves as Chief Academic Officer for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, leading efforts to strengthen high-quality instruction and improve student achievement. With more than 25 years in education, she has served as a teacher, school administrator, principal, and state-level leader, including Deputy Chief of Staff for Teaching and Learning at the Louisiana Department of Education. A former award-winning principal, Catasha is passionate about developing educators, advancing instructional excellence, and creating student-centered systems. She is deeply committed to the East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s vision of educating all students for success, ensuring every student receives high-quality teaching and meaningful support.

Dr. Bernard Frost, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Orangeburg County School District, South Carolina

Dr. Bernard E. Frost is an accomplished educational leader and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Orangeburg County School District in South Carolina. He brings more than 20 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, mathematics leadership, professional development, curriculum design, and district administration. A passionate advocate for engaging instruction and innovative learning, Dr. Frost has presented locally, nationally, and internationally. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Walden University and degrees from Converse College and Furman University. A 2026–2027 Fulbright Global Leaders Program awardee, he remains committed to developing educators, strengthening instructional systems, and transforming learning opportunities for students.

Dr. Jennifer Gutierrez, Deputy Superintendent, South San Antonio Independent School District, Texas

Dr. Jennifer Gutierrez serves as Deputy Superintendent of South San Antonio Independent School District. Throughout her 25-year career, she has led meaningful transformation as a teacher, instructional coach, campus leader, and district administrator. A first-generation high school and college graduate, Dr. Gutierrez is driven to give back to communities by expanding opportunity and helping every student thrive. She holds degrees from California State University, Northridge, Pepperdine University, and Liberty University. Guided by high expectations, integrity, collaboration, and service, she inspires others to lead courageously, build collective capacity, and keep student learning at the heart of every educational decision and practice.

Lela Marshall, Chief Learning Officer, Indianapolis Public Schools, Indiana

Lela Marshall is currently the Chief Learning Officer with Indianapolis Public Schools supporting IPS schools and academic departments. Previously, she served as the Chief Schools Officer, Executive Director of Schools, Director of Secondary, principal, instructional coach, and teacher in IPS, School City of Hammond and School City of East Chicago. Lela is a lover of all things leadership, is passionate about urban education, and is relentless in the pursuit of educational equity for ALL students. As the first person in her family to go to college, she is dedicated to supporting students in achieving the future of their dreams.

Tracy Padilla, Deputy Superintendent, Somerset Independent School District, Texas

Tracy Padilla has dedicated 26 years to the field of education, serving in a variety of leadership and instructional roles. Her experience includes teaching 7th grade English language arts and reading at the middle school level, serving as a high school counselor, and holding administrative positions as an assistant principal, elementary principal, and high school principal. For the past 11 years, she has served at Somerset Independent School District where she currently holds the position of Deputy Superintendent. While serving as the elementary principal, her school received a National Blue Ribbon School designation and a NIET Founder’s Award nomination. Additionally, Somerset High School was selected as winner of the NIET Founder’s Award during her tenure as principal. Tracy is committed to educational excellence, student success, and continuous school improvement.

Abby Potter-Davis, Chief Officer for Learning and Equity, Osborn School District #8, Arizona

Abby Potter-Davis is the Chief Officer for Learning and Equity at Osborn School District #8 in Phoenix, Arizona, where she leads districtwide efforts to advance teaching, learning, and equitable outcomes for students. With more than 15 years of experience in education leadership, Abby has served as a teacher, principal, curriculum and instruction leader, and cabinet-level executive. Her work focuses on building high-quality instructional systems, developing educators and leaders, strengthening literacy and multilingual learner outcomes, and using data to drive continuous improvement. A passionate advocate for educational equity, Abby brings a student-centered, collaborative approach to transforming systems and creating meaningful opportunities for every learner.

Laura Roussel, Chief Academic Officer, Jefferson Parish Schools, Louisiana

Laura Roussel serves as Chief Academic Officer for Jefferson Parish Schools, Louisiana’s largest school district. With more than 30 years in education, she has led at the school, district, state, national, and higher-education levels. As a systems leader, she builds aligned structures, develops leadership capacity, and connects strategy to daily practice to achieve sustainable results. Under her leadership, Jefferson Parish Schools earned its first consecutive B rating and eliminated all F-rated schools. Laura’s leadership is based on clarity, collaboration, and courage—building trust, creating collective ownership, and keeping students at the center of every decision and action across the organization each day.

Jeff Spencer, Assistant Superintendent for Foundational Learning, Perry Township Schools, Indiana

Jeff Spencer serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Foundational Learning, dedicated to elevating student achievement through authentic, engaging, project-based learning. Over an impactful career in Perry Township Schools, he previously served as Director of Secondary Education and Principal of Southport Elementary School. Honored as the 2019–2020 Perry Township Administrator of the Year and the 2021 District 7 Elementary Principal of the Year, Spencer consistently drives academic excellence. Having served in multiple leadership roles within the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) system, he remains committed to empowering educators, fostering collaborative culture, and improving long-term outcomes for every student.