Allison Barness, EdD
Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education
Location
SEC 509
Phone
(319) 273-2381
Directory Contact
Allison Barness, EdD
Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education
Dr. Allison Barness is a tenured Assistant Professor at the University of Northern Iowa specializing in early childhood and teacher education. She holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and focuses on early learning, social-emotional development, and STEM integration. Dr. Barness leads statewide professional development, contributes to local and national publications, and is dedicated to strengthening connections between higher education and early childhood practice.
Area of specialty: Elementary and Early Childhood
Education
- EdD, Curriculum & Instruction, University of Northern Iowa, 2019
Dissertation: Early Childhood Professional Learning Facilitators: A Self-study within a New Delivery Model - MAE, Early Childhood Education, University of Northern Iowa, 2011
Endorsement: PK (Birth)–3 Special Education - BA, Elementary Education, University of Northern Iowa, 2007
Endorsements: K–8 Reading and K–8 English/Language Arts
Teaching Interests
- ELEMECML 3149 Child, Family, School & Community Relationships
- ELEMECML 4130 Guidance
- ELEMECML 4192 Seminar
Research Interests
- Dr. Barness’s research interests focus on early childhood education, social-emotional development, and inquiry-based STEM learning. She conducts self-studies to examine her own teaching and facilitation practices, exploring ways to enhance educator preparation and reflective practice. Her work emphasizes bridging theory and application to support meaningful learning experiences for both teachers and young children.
Professional Accomplishments
- Serving as an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Northern Iowa.
- Serving on the Board of the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children (Iowa AEYC) to advocate for high-quality early learning experiences across the state.
- Leading statewide professional development for early childhood educators and presenting at conferences all over the country.
- Conducting research on social emotional learning and connections to our own teaching practices.
- Supervising and mentoring teacher candidates through internships, service learning, and field-based experiences aligned with DEC and InTASC standards.