Leigh Scruggs

Leigh Scruggs, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership at Wayne State College, Nebraska. She specializes in preparing teachers for special educational needs (SENs) through both in-person and online instruction. Her professional experience spans PK-12 public schools in North Carolina and Florida, where she worked as a special education teacher and services coordinator for 11 years. Scruggs also served as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer in Lutsk, Ukraine, training in-service and pre-service teachers in inclusive practices.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (2018), Florida Atlantic University
  • M.A. in Teaching/Special Education (2009), Western Carolina University
  • M.S. in Criminal Justice (2002), University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice (1994), University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Research Interests:
Dr. Scruggs focuses on social-emotional learning, educational policy implementation, and combating the de-professionalization of teaching. Her philosophy emphasizes preparing educators to teach all students effectively.