Gannon University | Nancy M. Morris

I feel right at home in Gannon's education department because I am a Gannon alum. I majored in elementary and special education and have been working in the special education field since graduation. My husband and I just recently moved back to Erie area, where we met, and have settled down. Previously we have been moving and living across the Midwest. I have enjoyed the variety of experiences that it brought me, but I am very happy to be back close to home.

I originally grew up on the west side of Cleveleland which is where my family still lives and I see them often. My husband and I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and cooking together, and also love the theater. We also have a son, Jason. I am very happy to be working here at Gannon and to be back in Erie. It feels a bit like coming home.

I keep very busy as I recently completed my doctorate in Gannon's Organizational Learning and Leadership program, and am also owner of a company my husband and I started, Two Sparrows Learning Systems. The company grew from a service and research project I facillitated at Gannon in collaboration with another professor from the biomedical engineering program. Through the ICAN (Integrated Crayons for Adapted Needs) project, we created a new adapted crayon design, produced over 1,000 new adapted crayons from recycled crayons collected across the county, and donated the adapted crayons to The Barber National Institute's Preschool and Autistic Support programs in the fall of 2016. Through this process we have applied for and are waiting to hear on a utility patent for the adapted device. My husband and I currently produce and sell these Effortless Art Crayons through our company, Two Sparrows Learning Systems.

Awards-Grants

Mercy Center for Women 2019 Women Making History Award

Morris, N., & Piovesan, D. (2015). Crayons for Kids. Gannon
University, Barber Center: Erie-GAINS Mini Grant Proposal.

Morris, N. (2014). Partners in Print: A Family Literacy Initiative. Gannon University, St. Peter Cathedral School: Erie-GAINS
Mini Grant Proposal

Courses Taught

SPED 306 Data Driven Instruction

SPED 307 Low Incidence Disabilities

ELED 101 Child Development

EDCR 103 Foundations of Education

SPED 242 Collaboration and Partnership

SPED 322 Positive Behavioral Supports

SPED 308 High Incidence Disabilities

GEDU 730/731 Diverse Learner Competencies

GEDU 609 Inclusive Classrooms

GUEC 565 Integrating Mobile Devices Into the Classroom

Educational History

Gannon University, Ph.D in Organizational Learning and Leadership, fall 2019

Gannon University, Masters in Public Administration, 2015

University of Akron, Principal Licensure; 2011

University of Akron, Masters of Science in Educational Administration; 2010

Gannon University, Bachelors of Science in Elementary and Special education; 2003

Professional Experience

Assistant Professor, Gannon University, Education Department, Erie, PA (January 2020 - present)

Instructor, Gannon University, Education Department, Erie, PA (August 2012-December 2019)

Special Education Teacher, Birmingham Public Schools, Birmingham, MI (August 2011-June 2012)

Special Education Teacher/Administration Internship, North Canton Public Schools, North Canton, OH (August 2007 - June 2011)

Special Education Teacher, St. Charles Public Schools, St. Charles, IL (August 2006-June 2007)

Special Education Teacher, Geneva Public Schools, Geneva, IL (August 2005 - June 2006)

Third Grade Teacher, St. Mel's School, Cleveleland, OH (August 2003 - June 2005)

Professional Societies

Council for Exceptional Children

Pennsylvania State Educator Association

Association for Curriculum Supervision and Development

Scholarship-Research

Morris, N. M. (2013, November). ipads and assistive technology: Engaging learners to achieve success. Peer reviewed presentation conducted at the

Pennsylvania Council for Exceptional Children Convention, Harrisburg, PA.

Morris, N. & Piovesan, D. (2016). Integrated crayons for adapted needs. Paper presented at the Frontiers in Education conference.

Morris, N. (2017). The use of ergonomic features in assistive technology with children with fine motor delays. International Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 4(10), 27-36.

Morris, N. (2018). The use of ergonomic features in assistive technology with children with fine motor delays. Poster

presented at The National Autism Conference. Pittsburgh, PA.

Forbes, L., Merritt, J., Morris, N., & Quick, R. (2018). What did we learn again? Practical strategies to engage students in

the beginning, middle, and end of class to increase discussion and asses understanding. CETL Community Expo

for Teaching and Learning.

Service

I am the advisor for Student Pennsylvania State Educator Association. Our club works to provide professional development and training opportunities for our education undergraduates in various education fields.

I am on the board of directors for The Arc of Erie county, a non profit serving individuals and families who have been touched by an intellectual or developmental disability. I am the chair of the developmental committee and am responsible for fundraising and outreach efforts for our organization.