Teresa Billingsley

Teresa R. Billingsley is a Business and Marketing Education educator with 27 years of experience preparing students for college, careers, and entrepreneurship. She is committed to engaging and empowering her students through hands-on, real-world learning experiences that build financial literacy, career readiness, entrepreneurship, leadership, and professional skills. She has taught a variety of Career and Technical Education courses, including Business Technology Applications, Career Preparedness, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Management and Marketing, Marketing Principles, Personal Finance, and Sports and Entertainment Marketing. Her teaching emphasizes connecting classroom concepts to practical skills and opportunities students can apply beyond the classroom. She strives to create an engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests, recognize their potential, and prepare for their futures.

Billingsley established the first DECA chapter at Colbert Heights High School in 2018 and has served as a DECA advisor, guiding students in leadership, communication, marketing, entrepreneurship, and professional development. Her students have participated in state and international competitive opportunities, gaining valuable experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Through DECA, she provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, explore careers, and apply business concepts in authentic settings. She encourages students to pursue opportunities that challenge them, expand their knowledge, and build confidence in their abilities.

A strong advocate for financial literacy and economic education, Billingsley serves on the Alabama Jump$tart Advisory Council and has participated as a Jump$tart Teen Teach-In teacher. She was recognized as a Jump$tart Teacher Spotlight honoree in 2025. She is a presenter and facilitator for the Alabama Council on Economic Education and an IZZIT Teacher Ambassador, sharing financial literacy, economics, and classroom resources with students and educators. She is also an EVERFI Champion Teacher Ambassador and has received recognition for her work engaging students in financial literacy and technology-based learning. Through these roles, she continues to promote financial and economic education both in and beyond the classroom.

Billingsley currently serves as President-Elect of the Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education (ALACTE) and previously served as marketing section president. Through her leadership, she advocates for strong career and technical education programs and opportunities that prepare students for success beyond high school. She also contributes to her community as a guest speaker for the Tuscumbia Kiwanis Club, sharing information about student leadership, career development, and DECA opportunities. Billingsley has received numerous state-level awards and professional recognitions for her contributions to education, career and technical education, and student development.

Most recently, Billingsley was selected as a recipient of the NSHSS Career and Technical Education (CTE) Grant for 2026, recognizing her commitment to providing students with meaningful career preparation and innovative, hands-on learning experiences. In 2026, she served as a workshop presenter at NSHSS Scholars Day, sharing her expertise and supporting students through career-focused learning and professional development. She holds an education specialist degree and a Master of Science degree in business education from Alabama A&M University, along with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Athens State University. She has served as an Upward Bound tutor, providing students with academic support, mentoring, and college and career guidance. She also holds certifications in Guest Services Gold–Golden Opportunities and the Flawless Delivery Customer Training Program.

Through her teaching, leadership, community service, and professional involvement, Billingsley continues to advocate for career and technical education, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and economic education. She believes students are best prepared for their futures when they can connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. Her career reflects a commitment to student success, educator leadership, and creating opportunities that help young people become confident, capable, and career-ready. She remains dedicated to strengthening connections among education, business, and the community while supporting students as they pursue their goals and future opportunities. Billingsley’s work is grounded in service, innovation, and a belief in the potential of every student she serves.