LeighAnn is originally from Clare and studied English and History at the University of Limerick. As part of her undergrad, LeighAnn also studied Creative Writing, Sociology and Journalism. She re-established the UL History Society and was President of the society during her time there. Galway has always held a special place in LeighAnn’s heart, so after she graduated from UL, she moved to start her Professional Masters of Education (PME) in English and History with the University of Galway.

During LeighAnn’s postgraduate studies, she found a passion for Global Citizenship Education (GCE). This passion has led to many exciting opportunities. She collaborated with lecturers and helped create GCE resources for student teachers, including a podcast; presented at the ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference at the University of Gottingen, Germany in 2022 on the importance of collaboration between students and staff; and has been facilitating an annual workshop with the University of Galway’s first year PME student teachers as part of their GCE week since 2021. LeighAnn continues this work as lead teacher for the EU funded Global Education Time (GET) project here at GETSS, which seeks to further embed GCE into the curricula of History, Geography and CSPE.

LeighAnn has worked in a variety of schools in Galway, Clare and Limerick and has found her dream school here at GETSS. LeighAnn teaches English, History and Ethical Education. The passion she has for GCE is embedded into the curricular and extracurricular work she does here. LeighAnn leads the Concern Debates team for senior students, is a Student Council Liaison teacher and established Feel Good Fridays which take place once (sometimes twice!) a month; promoting inclusion, diversity, and positivity in all aspects of school life.

Outside of school, LeighAnn loves yoga, reading, walks by the sea, and writing poetry.