Dr. Loretta Leaphart

Learning Specialist

Dr. Loretta Leaphart is an educator and a motivational speaker who has been encouraging, motivating, and inspiring local and national audiences for years. She is a firm believer that everybody has valuable talents and untapped gifts that are awaiting to be unleashed. Born in Gilbert, SC, Loretta learned early on that to go from where she was physically to where she wanted to be intellectually and culturally that she would need to first fill her own mind and surroundings with lots of positive thoughts, books, and experiences. 

Upon graduating from Gilbert High School, Loretta chose to enter the workforce in the insurance field and then later in the banking industry. After investing nearly eight years in corporate America, she decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an elementary schoolteacher. Upon getting her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina, she eventually realized that she could become a more effective teacher by specializing in an area where many of her students were struggling, that of reading. 

Obtaining a Master’s degree in Reading from the University of South Carolina better helped Loretta to strategically teach her students how to read and think beyond measures. After experiencing an abundance of success with her students as a classroom teacher, Loretta then pursued and obtained a Doctorate degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, which opened doors for her to serve in administrative positions. Educational roles outside of K-12 and higher education teaching that Loretta has served in include that of, science instructional coach/mentor, educational consultant, and K-8 director/principal. Loretta most recently served as the Academic Program Specialist and as a part-time assistant professor in the Honors College at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Additionally, Loretta is a National Board-Certified teacher. Her hobbies and interests include community service, reading, writing, exercising, outdoor activities, traveling, shopping, and spending quality time with her friends and family.  

Loretta is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of 4/6/21.