Leigh Alley

Dr. Leigh Alley serves as the Coordinator of Teacher Education and Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA). She designs and teaches courses focused on whole-child education, trauma-informed practices, and educator resilience. Her pioneering work includes creating the world’s first Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Whole Child Education program, rooted in neuroscience and holistic pedagogy.

Education:

• EdD in Transformative Leadership, University of New England (2016)
• CAGS in Literacy, University of New England (2012)
• CAGS in Advanced Educational Leadership, University of New England (2010)
• MSEd in Instruction, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (2007)
• B.A. in English, University of Maine at Machias (2002, summa cum laude)

Her research emphasizes SEL integration, educator well-being, and systemic approaches to ethics in education. She co-founded xSELeratED, a professional learning collaborative, and advises the Institute for Humane Education on Solutionary curriculum. As a contributor to The Worthy Educator, she promotes educator well-being through reflective practice.

Awards:

• Global ASCD Award for Professional Learning Design
• Northern Lights Book Award (2023 & 2024) for Shiny Friends Super Squad SEL series

Her published works include the award-winning Shiny Friends Super Squad series, fostering emotional intelligence in tweens. She also led Maine ASCD as Executive Director for a decade, advancing curriculum leadership nationally and globally.