Layne is passionate about finding innovative ways for every student to experience success. She has conducted extensive research in high-performing, high-poverty schools and the steps necessary to impact students in this challenging environment. She has worked with numerous schools to design and implement differentiated learning and intervention into their daily schedules to impact student achievement. Layne has presented at multiple state conferences over the past 20 years, including an invitation from the Governor of Alabama to speak at his Dropout Prevention Summit for demonstrating outstanding results in working with at-risk youth.

Before becoming a principal, Layne was awarded Secondary Teacher of the Year in the Morgan County School district and the Secondary Teacher of the Year from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. She has also led a school that received the prestigious CLAS Banner School Award. Layne has served and on multiple non-profit executive boards, committees, and community organizations. In addition to her educational experience, she has also advised and managed political campaigns and is a freelance writer.

Layne earned her B.S. in Secondary Education and an M.A. in Educational Leadership and Administration at the University of North Alabama. She earned a Doctor of Education in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.