UMA is pleased to announce that Leigh Alley, assistant professor and coordinator of teacher education, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Educator Award at the Champions for Children Giraffe Awards. The annual awards, presented by the Maine Children’s Alliance, recognize people across the state who make a significant and lasting difference in the lives of Maine children.
Alley was selected for her leadership in whole child education and for a career focused on preparing teachers who can support the academic, social, emotional and physical development of every student. With more than 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, curriculum designer and author, she is known statewide for her commitment to social-emotional learning and trauma-sensitive practice.
At UMA, Alley created the university’s first Master of Arts in Teaching program with a focus on whole child education. She teaches classes like “The Trauma-Sensitive Classroom,” mentors emerging educations and works closely with school districts in Maine to help meet local workforce needs. Her approach centers on helping students feel a strong sense of belonging, which she describes as a foundation for learning and healthy development.
“Alley’s work reflects UMA’s commitment to preparing educators who understand the whole child and who strengthen Maine communities,” said UMA President Jenifer Cushman. “Her leadership in teacher preparation in helping share the next generation of confident and compassionate educators. We are incredibly proud of her contributions to UMA and to Maine schools.”
Alley also co-founded xSELeratED, a consulting initiative that supports schools and organizations in implementing social-emotional learning practices. She writes books for children and adults that encourage emotional and skill development. One of her recent titles saw strong early sales following its release.
“I believe teachers have the power to help every student feel seen, valued and ready to learn,” said Alley. “This award affirms the importance of preparing educators who can support the whole child. It is an honor to do this work at UMA and in collaboration with communities across the state.”
A native of Beals Island, Alley often shares how her upbringing in the Moosabec fishing community shared her values and her perspective as an educator. She began her college journey at the University of Maine at Machias and describes education as a transformative force in her life. She often says that people can live a big life in a small place and that she believes in blooming where you are planted.
Discover more about UMA’s teacher preparation programs or the Master of Arts in Teaching.