Ashley LeaderAshley Megan Leader instructs instrumental music in Crofton, Nebraska. Currently, Leader is in her thirteenth year of teaching in the Crofton Community Schools, where she instructs grades 5-12 Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band and Pep Band. While at Crofton, she has written all marching band drill, served as the President and on the Negotiations Committee for the Crofton Education Association, sat on Strategic Planning Committee, a part of the Warrior Way (PBIS) Team, Citizenship Committee, as well as previously sponsoring the elementary student council and high school cheerleaders. Prior to moving to Crofton, Leader received her Bachelor’s of Music Education degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University in December of 2009 and completed her Master’s of Music Education through the University of South Dakota in 2014. Leader is involved in the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association, Nebraska Education Association, and serves on the Leadership Team for Class C All-State.
Leader was the recipient of the 2015 Jack R. Snider Young Band Director Award, the 2017 MidStates Conference Outstanding Band Director Award, and the 2023 Nath Metschke Creative Teacher Award. Under the direction of Leader, Crofton High School has reestablished their marching program with great success. They have won the Quad State Marching Competition (Vermillion, SD) Division 1A for consecutive years, as well as received several other accolades at various competitions in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. The concert band, under Leader, has received Division I ratings at district music contests and has had the opportunity to perform in Chicago, Minnesota, Denver, and Minnesota, Denver, and Walt Disney World.
Ashley is married to Alex Leader and they have two sons Aaron and Ashton. In her free time she enjoys being outside and playing with her boys!.
