Leighann S. Forbes

  • Associate Professor
    Education Program
  • Program Coordinator, Middle &
    Education Program
  • Associate Dean
    Col.Humanities,Ed.&SocScience

My name is Leigh Forbes and I'm a lifelong resident of Erie County.  I have been teaching since 1988 and have no plans to stop!  I enjoy my position as a member of the School of Education and engage in classroom teaching as well as collaboration with local schools.  I love Gannon because it provides a caring community in which to support new teachers.  In my role as an educator, I particularly enjoy teaching science, technology, literature and art courses.  My presentations and publications cover a wide range of topics because I'm always learning something new.  Most recently, I presented on Pennsylvania's Culturally Relevant-Sustaining Education guidelines alongside colleagues at a national conference with colleauges from across PA. I also have a small role as part-time Associate Dean for Faculty and Development in the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences (CHESS).  In this role, I have an opportunity to work with faculty members who are seeking to improve their teaching, advising, and campus connections.  As you might guess, I'm constantly busy and enjoy the energizing environment.

Beyond my role as a member of the Gannon community, I am also a mother. My daughter graduated from Gannon's Journalism program and now works for the Meadville Tribune in Meadville, PA.  She's moved out and I'm an empty-nester,  always looking for opportunities to keep up with youth culture. I look forward to interacting with students and learning about the music and media that will keep me current. I live in the Erie region and enjoy the beauty of the seasons changing.  My home is in a small town outside the hustle and bustle of the city and I frequently spend time in nature.  I've always lived in the Erie area and can't imagine being anywhere else.  To me, we live in a great area of the world.

I wear many hats at Gannon and highly recommend becoming engaged with our community. Currently, I'm involved with our AI initiatives and look forward to continuing my commitment to the development of all members of our community. 

My pronouns are she/her/hers. I'm Safe Zone trained and support the pursuit of freedom, liberation and justice for all.  I enjoy working with Gannon students and colleagues. My door is always open!  Please stop and say hello if you're on campus : )

Pennsylvania Certificates

  • Middle Level Science (7-9),
  • General Science (7-12),
  • Environmental Education (K-12),
  • Library Science (K-12),
  • Instructional Technology Specialist (K-12)               
  • ESL Specialist (K-12)

2007 Lambda Sigma Award for Excellence in Teaching (Slippery Rock University)

2013 Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award for College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences (Gannon University)

ECED 103 Planning and Managing the Early Childhood Learning Environment

ECED 308 Concepts and Methods of Science and Technology

EDCR 100 Child Development

EDCR 101 Psychology of Learning and Teaching

EDCR 102 Instructional Technology

EDCR 104 First Year Seminar: Education

EDCR 105 Instructional Design and Classroom Management

EDCR 200 Planning and Managing the Learning Environment

EDCR 220 Child and Adolescent Literature

EDCR 300 Children’s Literature

EDCR 302 Expressive Arts

EDCR 320 Methods and Materials of Instruction for Secondary Education

EDCR 321 Methods and Materials of Instruction Seminar

EDCR 330 Assessment and Evaluation

EDCR 400 Critical Inquiry

EDCR 414 Sociology of Education

ELED 231 Concepts and Methods of Science for Elementary Education

MLED 200 Planning for the Differentiated Classroom

MLED 201 Adolescent Literature

MLED 202 Adolescent Development

MLED 302 Concepts and Methods in Natural Science

EDFL 410 Student Teaching Supervision

GEDU 619 Methods and Materials of Instruction

GEDU 637 Learning Theory

GEDU 640 Young Adult Literature

GUEC 557 Dealing with Difficult People

GUEC 592 Google for Educators

Ed. D., Instructional Technology, Duquesne University, 2007
Concentrations: Instructional Design, Pedagogy and Practice, Professional Development of Educators
Dissertation:  Internet Use in Teacher Preparation Programs: The Relationship Between Pedagogy and Practice in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
 

Instructional Technology Certificate, Gannon University, 2002

M.Ed., School Administration, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, 1994
Concentration:  Secondary Education
Thesis:  The Impact of Site-Based Management on Teacher Satisfaction in Professional Development Programs:  A Study of the Iroquois School District

B.S., Environmental Science, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, 1988
Concentration: Earth Science with minors in mathematics and geology

B.S., Education, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, 1988
Concentration: Secondary Education with certification in General Science and a minor in American Literature

Gannon University, Erie, PA

Associate Professor, and Program Coordinator, Middle Level and Secondary Education in the School of Education (2008-present)

Associate Dean for Faculty and Development, College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences (2021-present)

Adjunct Faculty (2008)

 

Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA
Instructor (2003-2008)
 

GECAC Community Charter School, Erie, PA

Information Literacy & Technology Instructor-Grades K-8 (2001-2003)

 

Harbor Creek and Fairview School Districts, Erie County, PA

Substitute Teacher (2001)

 

Iroquois Jr.-Sr. High School, Erie, PA

Teacher-Grades 7 & 8 Science (1988-2001)

 

Professional memberships

 

  • American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (Paper Reviewer 2009-2019)
  • American Educational Research Association (SIG:  Division K:  Teaching and Teacher Education, SIG:  Education and the WWW, and SIG: Instructional Technology)
  • Association for Middle Level Education
  • Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
  • International Society for Technology in Education (SIG:  Teacher Education Network and Conference reviewer)
  • National Science Teachers Association (2009-present)
  • Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education (Regional Board-Past President; State Executive Board-Past Member)
  • Pennsylvania Association for Educational Computing Technology
  • Pennsylvania-Professors of Middle Level Education (Charter member and member of Editorial Board)
  • Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
  • Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators (Journal reviewer) 
  • Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association

Publications
Forbes, L. S. (2023, October 20). Expressive arts [Syllabus and Reflections]. PA Teacher Education Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Education (CRSE) Initiative Repository. Retrieved October 20, 2023, from https://crserepository.paeddiversity.org/expressive-arts

Morris, N. M. & Forbes, L. S. (2023). Teacher residency: A program partnership for the urban school environment. Metropolitan Universities Journal, 34(4), 64-87. https://doi.org/10.18060/26401

Forbes, L. S. (2020). GU-EPS clinical teacher residency program mentoring handbook (1st digital ed.). Gannon University.

Conference Presentations
Forbes, L. S. (2023, November 8). Small steps, big impact: Integrating CRSE beyond education coursework [Livestream]. Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium. View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXLhP6gQeTk

Forbes, L. S. (2023, June 2). La Niña’s unfortunate visit: Lessons learned in a project-based learning experience [Conference poster]. Community-Engaged Teaching & Research Conference 2023, Erie, PA, United States.

Forbes, L. S. (2022, June 3). Buzz, buzz, busy bees: A project-based learning experience [Conference presentation]. Partners for Campus-Community Engagement Regional Conference, Erie, PA, United States.

Forbes, L. S. (2021, March 20).  Improving education and engagement during the COVID-19 era  [Roundtable Presentation]. American Society for Engineering Education North Central Section Conference [Zoom]. https://tinyurl.com/ASEERT2

Forbes, L. S. (2021, February 27-28). Bitmojis, memes, and gifs! Oh my! An introduction [Speed Learning Session]. Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education Conference [Zoom]. https://tinyurl.com/pamlebitmemgif

Forbes, L. S. (2021, February 27-28). Culturally responsive and sustaining education [Speed Learning Session]. Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education Conference [Zoom]. https://tinyurl.com/pamlecrse

Forbes, L. S. (2021, February 27-28). This one goes to 11 [Conference Presentation]. Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education Conference [Zoom]. https://tinyurl.com/GUCETLgoesto11

Forbes, L. S. (2021, February 3). Bitmoji, memes, and gifs! Oh my! [Summit Presentation]. 2021 Teaching and Learning Summit [Zoom]. https://kaltura.gannon.edu/media/2021+Teaching+and+Learning+Summit/1_3v6dbwtl

Forbes, L. S. (2020, February 23-26). Classroom library tools [Conference presentation]. Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, UniteMy research explores educator preparation programs with a focus on advancing equity and social justice through culturally relevant and sustaining education (CRSE). I investigate the recruitment and retention of future educators amid the teacher shortage, especially within the science disciplines, while examining the potential of teacher residency programs in urban environments to address these challenges. Informed by my work on the GU-EPS clinical teacher residency program and my reflections on expressive arts pedagogy, I utilize frameworks like Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK), experiential learning, and curriculum design to prepare educators who can thrive in diverse settings. My research emphasizes not only filling open positions but also equipping educators to deliver effective, culturally responsive instruction, as demonstrated in my recent presentations on project-based learning and CRSE integration. Ultimately, I aim to develop strategies that enable educators to persevere and grow in their careers, promoting long-term success in the classroom.d States.

Forbes, L. S. (2018, February 25-27). Google tools for your toolbelt [Conference presentation]. Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education Conference, State College, PA, United States.

Forbes, L. S., Clerkin, S., & West, C. (2018, February 25-27). Seeking freedom:  Adolescent refugees [Conference presentation]. Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education Conference, State College, PA, United States.

Forbes, L. S. (2017, February 26-28). Apps for ten-minute technology makeovers [Conference presentation]. Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education, State College, PA, United States.

Forbes, L. S. (2013).  Situating TPACK in the teacher knowledge base:  Creating a shared theoretical vision.  Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education 24th International Conference:  March 27. New Orleans, LA.

Forbes, L. S. & Quick, R. L. (2012).  Documenting experiential learning in higher education:  The case for digital mashups.  E-LEARN 2013 - World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare & Higher Education:  October 9.  Montréal, Quebec, Canada.

Forbes, L. S., (2012).  Differentiating instruction using technology.  Cathedral Center School In-Service Workshop: October 5.  Erie, PA.

Forbes, L. S., (2012). Excellence in teacher preparation: PK-16 and beyond:  Accountability Panel. Invited to serve on the panel for Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators Collaboration for Excellence in Quality Teacher Preparation: April 18. State College, PA.

Forbes, L.S. (2011). Crittercam. Presentation to Northwest Region Pennsylvania Middle School Association: April 12. Erie, PA.

Forbes, L.S. (2011). Interactive notebooks and foldable organizers:  Tools for success. Presentation to Erie Reading Council:  March 15. Edinboro, PA.

Forbes, L.S., Merritt, J., and Quick, R. (2011). Ongoing support for novice educators: Online classroom support modules.  Presentation Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators conference:  October 27. Grantville, PA.

Forbes, L.S. and Macadaeg, P. (2011).  Learning about middle level philosophy.  Presentation to Pennsylvania Middle School Association Annual Professional Development Institute:  March 7. Lancaster, PA.

Forbes, L. S., & Quick, R. L. (2010).  Using digital mashups to document teacher candidate experiences.  Presentation Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators conference:  October 28. Grantville, PA.

Forbes, L.S. (2010). Middle Level Program Implementation Challenges. Invited presentation to Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators Spring Conference: April 16. Penn State, PA.

Forbes, L.S. (2010). Interactive notebooks and foldable organizers:  Tools for success. Presentation to Northwest Pennsylvania Middle School Association Conference:  April 27. Titusville, PA.

Forbes, L.S. (2010). Interactive notebooks and foldable organizers:  Tools for success. Presentation to Pennsylvania Middle School Association Conference: March 1-2. Penn State, PA.

Forbes, L.S. & Quick, R.L. (2009). Dynamic design: Curriculum mapping as a tool for visualizing teacher preparation programs. Presentation to Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators Fall Conference: October 29-30. Penn State, PA.

Gannon University Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Garskie, L., & Forbes, L. S. (2022, August 10). Building a better syllabus: The basics. Gannon University CETL, Erie, PA, United States.

Covell, C., Forbes, L. S., & Morris, N. M. (2021, March 23). 60 in 60: Find your technology match [Zoom Training]. Gannon University CETL, Erie, PA, United States. https://tinyurl.com/CETL60slides

Forbes, L. S. (2021, March 16). Fly me to the moon:  Learning to love Zoom [Zoom Training]. Gannon University CETL, Erie, PA, United States. https://tinyurl.com/GUCETLmoonzoom

Forbes, L. S. (2021, March 10). Essential tools for the new normal [Zoom workshop]. Gannon University CETL, Erie, PA, United States. https://tinyurl.com/GUCETLesstools

Forbes, L. S. (2021, March 3). This one goes to 11:  Improve your screencasting and Zoom interactivity [Zoom workshop]. Gannon University CETL, Erie, PA, United States. https://tinyurl.com/GUCETL11

Forbes, L. S. (2021, February 17). Bitmoji, memes, and gifs! Oh my! Tools for personalizing instruction and engaging learners [Zoom workshop]. Gannon University CETL Training, Erie, PA, United States. https://tinyurl.com/GUCETLbitmemgif

Forbes, L. S., Merritt, J., Morris, N., & Quick, R. (2019, January 11). Engagement strategies [Poster session]. Community Expo for Teaching and Learning 2019, Erie, PA, United States. (Poster session winner)

Forbes, L. S., & Morris, N. (2018-2019). Assistive technology [Training workshop]. Gannon University CETL Training Sessions, Erie, PA, United States.

Grants:

Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium. (2022). Culturally relevant and sustaining education community of practice. William Penn Foundation. [1 of 15 invited participants funded for $2500)

Forbes, L., & Whiteman, J. (2020, June 16). Renewal application: Innovative teacher/principal residency program implementation grant. Pennsylvania Department of Education.  Grant proposal submitted. Grant funds reassigned by PDE and no longer available.

Forbes, L., & Whiteman, J. (2019, April 4). Innovative teacher/principal residency program planning grant. Pennsylvania Department of Education. Funded for $75,000.

Quick, R. L. & Forbes, L. S. (2012).  Enhancing the education experience of an inner-city after-school program:  A diversity project proposal to the Stackpole-Hall Foundation. Funded for $5000 from Stackpole-Hall Foundation Diversity Grant

My research explores educator preparation programs with a focus on advancing equity and social justice through culturally relevant and sustaining education (CRSE). I investigate the recruitment and retention of future educators amid the teacher shortage, especially within the science disciplines, while examining the potential of teacher residency programs in urban environments to address these challenges. Informed by my work on the GU-EPS clinical teacher residency program and my reflections on culturally responsive pedagogy, I utilize the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework alongside experiential learning, and curriculum design to prepare educators who can thrive in diverse settings. My research emphasizes not only filling open positions but also equipping educators to deliver effective, culturally responsive instruction, as demonstrated in my recent presentations on project-based learning and CRSE integration. Ultimately, I aim to develop strategies that enable educators to persevere and grow in their careers, promoting long-term success in the classroom.

Service to the University

  • Program Coordinator of Middle Level and Secondary Education Programs
  • Teacher Education Advisory Committee
  • Open House and Orientation point of contact 
  • Presenter: Praxis, ePortfolio, curriculum mapping, technology tips, and more 
  • Professional Development Coordinator: Gannon University-Erie's Public Schools Teacher Residency Program
  • Peer Reviewer for faculty evaluations
  • Advisor: Kappa Delta Pi International Education Honor Society

Service to the Profession

  • ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum: Aligning Exhibits with Academic Standards 2022
  • Gannon Goodwill Garden: World Bee Day Celebration with Early Connections Preschool 2022
  • Northwest Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education Member, Northwest Region Executive Board 2009-present and President, Northwest Region 2010-2015
  • Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education State Executive Board 2010-2015 and Online Media Coordinator 2011-2013
  • Session Presider, Annual PAMLE Conference (preside over two sessions per year) 2014-present
  • Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators Facilitator, Middle Level Focus Group 2010-2013
  • Manuscript Reviewer, Pennsylvania Teacher Educator 2017-present
  • Pennsylvania Department of Education:  CR-SE Competencies Workgroup 2022, Initial Program Reviewer 2009-2013, Full Program Reviewer 2011-2018
  • Pennsylvania Professors of Middle Level Education Co-Editor, Betwixt and Between: Educating Young Adolescents (Journal) 2012-2014 and 2021-present
  • Conference Paper Reviewer for International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) 2007-2008; 2019-2020, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) 2009-2011, WWW and Education & Division K, American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2005-2010, Information Resources Management Association (IRMA) 2005-2008

Service to the Community

  • Executive Board and Volunteer Coordinator, Hornby School Museum 2021-present
  • Parking Attendant, Boro with the Works, Edinboro, PA (July 4 event) 2021-2022
  • Speech and Interview Judge, United States Academic Decathlon 2016-2020
  • Erie Coordinator, The Letter Project 2018-2020
  • Lector (regular and substitute), St. Francis Xavier Church, McKean, PA 2003-2018
  • Director, Fort LeBoeuf Color Guard and Winter Guard 2013-2016
  • Secretary, Fort LeBoeuf Band Boosters  2012-2013; member 2016-2017
Leighann S. Forbes

+1 8148717144
Office: PC 2015C

Contact Leighann Forbes