Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) is proud to announce that Dr. Bernard E. Frost, assistant superintendent for curriculum, has been selected as one of only eight district leaders nationwide to participate in the inaugural National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) Fellowship for Chief Instructional Leaders Program.
The highly selective, yearlong fellowship brings together chief instructional leaders from school districts across the country to strengthen their capacity to lead meaningful and sustainable instructional improvement across K-12 systems.
Dr. Frost was selected from a competitive national pool of district-level instructional leaders and is the only fellow representing South Carolina in the inaugural cohort. His selection follows another significant national and international distinction: Dr. Frost was also selected as a Fulbright Scholar, further reflecting his commitment to educational leadership, professional learning and expanding opportunities for students and educators.
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“This is an outstanding and well-deserved recognition for Dr. Frost, and we are incredibly proud that his leadership continues to be recognized on a national and international stage,” said Dr. Shawn Foster, superintendent of Orangeburg County School District. “Dr. Frost brings tremendous knowledge, commitment and intentionality to our academic work, but what stands out most is his unwavering focus on improving outcomes for students. His selection for both the Fulbright program and now this inaugural NIET fellowship speaks not only to the quality of his leadership, but also to the important work taking place throughout Orangeburg County School District. I know the knowledge, relationships and experiences he gains through these opportunities will continue to strengthen the work we are doing for our teachers, school leaders and students,” Dr. Foster shared.
The NIET Fellowship for Chief Instructional Leaders is specifically designed for K-12 district leaders who are responsible for strengthening instructional leadership at scale. Through the program, fellows will work alongside NIET experts and executive-level peers to examine district systems, address shared instructional challenges and explore strategies for creating more cohesive structures that support sustained academic improvement.
“I am honored to be selected as a member of the inaugural NIET Fellowship for Chief Instructional Leaders,” Dr. Frost said. “This opportunity will allow me to learn alongside exceptional instructional leaders from across the country while continuing to sharpen the work we are doing here in Orangeburg County School District. I look forward to bringing new ideas, strategies and perspectives back to our district as we continue strengthening the systems that support our principals, teachers and, most importantly, our students. Every decision we make instructionally must ultimately create stronger opportunities for children to learn, grow and succeed,” said Dr. Frost.
NIET Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Barnett welcomed the inaugural cohort and highlighted the important role district instructional leaders play in advancing student achievement.
“I am excited to recognize and welcome these exemplary leaders to the inaugural NIET Fellowship for Chief Instructional Leaders cohort,” Barnett said. “Through this fellowship, these leaders will strengthen how they lead instructional improvement and better align district systems to drive transformative change for students,” he continued.
In addition to Dr. Frost, the inaugural national cohort includes instructional leaders from school systems in Louisiana, Texas, Indiana and Arizona.
Throughout the fellowship, participants will strengthen their leadership competencies and examine how district systems and structures can be more intentionally aligned to support sustainable, districtwide improvement. Fellows will apply and refine new approaches within their own school systems while developing a national network of executive peers for continued learning and collaboration.
Dr. Frost’s selection builds upon Orangeburg County School District’s continued focus on strengthening teaching and learning and accelerating academic achievement. The district has continued to demonstrate academic progress while investing in instructional leadership, educator development and systems designed to provide students with high-quality learning experiences in every classroom.
The NIET Fellowship for Chief Instructional Leaders will run from October 2026 through June 2027.
For 25 years, the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching has worked to develop teacher leaders, support successful instructional strategies and build educator capacity to address student needs. NIET partners with schools, districts, states and universities to ensure all students have access to effective educators. Through its partnerships, NIET has served more than 11,000 schools and impacted
Orangeburg County School District
The mission of Orangeburg County School District, the catalyst of innovation and excellence, is to ensure all students discover and develop their person, purpose, and platform through high-quality educational experiences distinguished by a culture of collaboration, equity, and inclusion; a creative learning environment with inspiring opportunities; a commitment to nurture the academic, physical, social and emotional well-being of all. Visit us online at ocsdsc.org
