Leighann Pennington

Dr. Leighann Pennington serves as an Assistant Professor of Education at Sweet Briar College, teaching core courses including EDUC 103, 245, 325, 327, 333, and 421. With extensive K-12 classroom experience teaching English/Language Arts and History across grades 2-8, she bridges practical teaching expertise with academic rigor in teacher preparation.

Her educational background includes:

• B.A. in English: Creative Writing from Miami University
• M.Ed. in Educational Psychology and Gifted Education from the University of Virginia
• Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia

Pennington's research centers on innovative curriculum design for talent development, particularly among underrepresented gifted populations. Her work examines literacy development strategies for gifted learners, gender-specific engagement in reading/writing, and family-centered literacy initiatives. She emphasizes practical applications that empower educators to nurture student creativity and potential within diverse classroom settings.

Analysis of her 2010-2021 publications reveals consistent focus on gifted education through specialized curricular tools. Key contributions include family literacy frameworks, collaborative learning models, and evaluation techniques for advanced academic units. Her scholarship consistently addresses equity gaps while providing actionable resources for classroom implementation.

Her accolades include:

• NAGC Curriculum Studies Award (2020 and 2007)
• University of Virginia Snyder-Crumpacker Graduate Fellowship (2019)
• Virginia Association for the Gifted Grant for Innovative Ideas (2007)

Pennington actively shapes future educators through Sweet Briar's teacher preparation program while collaborating with Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth (CTY) on summer and online initiatives. Her grant-funded projects target innovative curriculum solutions, reflecting commitment to preparing teachers for contemporary K-12 challenges through evidence-based practices and inclusive talent development frameworks.

Through CTY partnerships and professional networks, she contributes to national gifted education discourse, emphasizing practical implementation of research in real-world educational settings.