Jennifer Gannaio, Ed.D.

Jennifer E. Gannaio, Ed.D., serves as Department Chair of Secondary Education and Assistant Professor for Undergraduate and Initial Licensure Programs at Indiana Wesleyan University. She is committed to advancing student learning, academic excellence, and institutional effectiveness. With a career grounded in teaching, faculty development, and educational leadership, Dr. Gannaio brings a student-centered perspective to her work, emphasizing meaningful learning experiences, continuous improvement, and the development of educators and learners.

Dr. Gannaio earned a Bachelor of Arts from Monmouth University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from East Tennessee State University, and a Master of Arts in Human Service Counseling, with a concentration in Marriage and Family, from Liberty University. She earned her Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Southeastern University.

Dr. Gannaio is passionate about teaching excellence and creating learning experiences that connect educational theory with practical application. Her professional interests include metacognitive teaching strategies that empower students to become more reflective and self-directed learners, the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence in education, and teacher development that equips educators to respond effectively to the changing needs of today’s learners. As a higher education administrator, she draws on her experience as an educator to support academic programs, faculty, and institutional initiatives through collaboration, assessment, and evidence-informed decision-making aligned with IWU’s mission and vision.

Dr. Gannaio is particularly committed to supporting working adults who pursue higher education while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Her professional philosophy centers on high academic standards, intentional teaching, supportive relationships, and creating pathways that empower students and educators to achieve their academic and professional goals.