Her Story
About Amy
**Amy Insley** is an accomplished educator, arts administrator, and theatre professional with nearly three decades of experience advancing excellence in education and the performing arts. She currently serves as the Fine Arts Magnet Program Administrator for The Center for Arts and Communications at Woodside High School, where she leads innovative academic and artistic programming that fosters creativity, leadership, and student achievement. In addition, she serves as an Associate Professor of Theatre at Christopher Newport University, mentoring future performers and educators while sharing her extensive expertise in theatre, directing, and arts education. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to creating transformative educational experiences that inspire students to reach their full potential.
Before assuming her current leadership role, Insley spent 25 years teaching primarily secondary theatre while also instructing elementary music and honors literature. Her broad educational background, combined with years of professional theatre experience, has enabled her to bridge classroom instruction with arts administration and educational leadership. She specializes in fine arts program administration, theatre education, curriculum development, educational leadership, and directing. A passionate advocate for arts education, she recently launched *Arts in Action*, a platform dedicated to sharing practical resources, leadership insights, and advocacy strategies that support educators and promote equitable access to high-quality arts programs. She is also an active conference presenter, contributing her expertise to professional organizations and educational communities across the country.
Insley earned a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Arts in Directing from Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts. She also holds a Virginia State Teaching License in Theatre and English for PreK–12, certification in educational leadership and principalship, and is completing a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Guided by the principles of integrity, authenticity, honesty, transparency, and humility, she believes meaningful leadership begins with genuine relationships and lifelong learning. Whether leading a fine arts magnet program, teaching at the university level, mentoring educators, or advocating for the arts, Insley remains dedicated to empowering others through creativity, education, and authentic leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work and to surrounding myself with people who encourage me to grow. Throughout my career, I have intentionally built relationships with mentors, colleagues, and friends who support me, challenge me, believe in my potential, and hold me accountable. Their encouragement, combined with my dedication to continuous learning and excellence, has helped shape both my professional and personal journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to simply be myself. I have learned that authenticity is far more valuable than trying to provide the answers others expect to hear. By speaking my mind, sharing my heart, and remaining true to my values, I have built meaningful relationships and established trust throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to embrace your authentic self and never be afraid to let your unique voice be heard. Speak with confidence, lead with honesty, and allow your heart and your truth to guide your work. Authenticity builds credibility, and remaining true to your values will help you make a meaningful impact throughout your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges facing education and the performing arts today is finding the right balance between emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and the essential human experiences that define arts education. While technology offers valuable opportunities to enhance learning, it is equally important to preserve hands-on creativity, collaboration, face-to-face engagement, and the transformative experiences that only live artistic expression can provide.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are integrity, authenticity, honesty, transparency, and humility. I believe in being the same person regardless of the environment or audience, leading with consistency, treating others with respect, and building relationships based on trust, openness, and genuine character.
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