Leighann S. Forbes

Leighann S. Forbes is an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Middle & Secondary Education at Gannon University's School of Education, with a concurrent part-time role as Associate Dean for Faculty and Development in the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences (CHESS). She holds a Doctorate in Instructional Technology from Duquesne University (2007), a Master's in School Administration from Edinboro University (1994), and dual Bachelor's degrees in Environmental Science and Education (Edinboro, 1988).

Her research advances educator preparation through culturally relevant-sustaining education (CRSE), teacher residency programs, and technology integration. She investigates recruitment/retention solutions for teacher shortages, utilizing frameworks like Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and project-based learning. Recent work includes Pennsylvania's CRSE guidelines implementation and urban teacher residency models.

Awarded for teaching excellence (2007) and undergraduate advising (2013), she secured grants including a $75,000 PDE residency planning grant (2019). She coordinates Gannon-Erie's teacher residency program and leads faculty development initiatives through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL).

Professionally, she serves on the editorial board of Betwixt and Between: Educating Young Adolescents, reviews for AERA/ISTE conferences, and holds leadership roles in Pennsylvania educational associations. Community engagement includes directing the Hornby School Museum and STEM outreach at ExpERIEnce Children's Museum.