Meet Dr. Leah Carruth, who serves as KDP’s President-Elect, teaches as an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at Angelo State University, and mentors future educators as the chapter counselor of the award-winning Mu Gamma Chapter.
A Surprising Path Into Education
For many who knew her growing up, Dr. Carruth’s career in education may have seemed unlikely. Naturally quiet and reserved, she once imagined she would “finish my degree and be okay in a classroom.” But during her studies, something shifted, and she uncovered a vibrant enthusiasm for learning.
“That enthusiasm pushed me to pursue a doctoral degree,” she reflects, “and I continue to engage in workshops, conferences, and trainings to further my understanding of teaching and learning.”
Igniting Curiosity at Every Level
As an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at Angelo State University, Dr. Carruth now works with learners ranging from kindergarten students to future teachers. Helping them discover a love of learning is the heartbeat of her work.
“Assisting students to have that same passion for learning and the enthusiasm to expand their horizons and gain knowledge each day is the highlight of teaching for myself,” she says. “I don’t want them to miss out on what can happen when you continue learning outside of the class you are in.”
A Head Start Moment That Sparked a Philosophy
One early teaching moment continues to inspire her educational philosophy. While teaching Head Start, she watched a child slide down the playground slide—hair shooting straight out from static—much to the delight of her classmates.
“I saw this curiosity,” Dr. Carruth recalls, “and researched other ways to talk about static with 3- to 5-year-old children.” She then brought balloons, salt, pepper, and combs into the classroom so the children could explore the science behind what they saw.
That moment cemented her belief in nurturing children’s natural curiosity and encouraging them to always ask questions.
Rooted in Family and Childhood Dreams
Dr. Carruth’s passion for education started early. As a child, she loved playing “teacher and mom” during dramatic play. Her inspiration grew even stronger thanks to her father, a math teacher who later taught her in school.
“Having him in class showed me more of what teaching was about,” she says. These experiences helped shape her belief that “education can change family trees, opening up possibilities never imagined before.”