Kimberly Gray, an educator at W.T. Lewis Elementary School in Bossier Parish Schools, has been named to the 2027 National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Teacher Leader Fellows cohort. Gray was one of 12 educators chosen from a competitive nationwide applicant pool to join the dynamic, one-year fellowship program.
About the Fellowship
The initiative aims to help selected educators deepen their knowledge of NIET systems of improvement to better support their schools and districts. With 15 years of experience spanning Connecticut and Louisiana, Gray has taught kindergarten through third grade, served as a PreK-12 literacy coach and currently works as an instructional coach.
“I am proud to welcome Kimberly Gray into the 2027 NIET Teacher Leader Fellows cohort,” NIET Chief Executive Officer Joshua Barnett said. “This fellowship reflects NIET’s commitment to build educator excellence and empower outstanding teacher leaders who are strengthening instruction and accelerating student success. We look forward to working alongside the 2027 fellows this year as they continue to grow their leadership and share their expertise with educators across the country.”
Throughout the fellowship, participants will engage in professional development, attend the 2027 NIET National Conference and 2027 NIET Summer Institute, and travel regionally to shadow NIET senior specialists while keeping their full-time school district positions.
“I’m excited to learn alongside educators who are committed to driving educational excellence through this program,” Gray said. “As an educational leader, I believe that true and lasting change in students’ lives begins by empowering the teachers who support them every day. By fostering authentic conversations rooted in student data and educational best practices, we can create an environment where all educators are capable of increased success.”
Reaction from Bossier Parish Schools
Bossier Parish Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland said Gray’s selection highlights her commitment to improving instruction districtwide. “Her leadership continues to elevate those around her, and we look forward to the benefits this opportunity will bring to Bossier Parish Schools,” Rowland said.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
