The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recently announced the election of Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Secretary Dr. Barbara Cooper as a member of the Board of At-Large Administration on the Association’s National Board of Directors. She will serve a four-year term beginning June 1, 2022.
Dr. Barbara J. Cooper was appointed Secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education by Governor Ivey on July 1, 2020. She has served with the Department of Early Childhood Education since 2018, leading the Alabama First Class Pre-K program. She previously served as Department Director of the Office of School Readiness and is a Birth-to-12th Grade Counselor for the Office of Education and Alabama Governor’s Workforce Transformation.
“There is no doubt that Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program is top notch and helps many of our youngest citizens get off to a good start on their educational journey. It is only fitting to see our own Dr. Barbara Cooper chosen to serve on this national board,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “Dr. Cooper continues to take our state’s curriculum to the next level, and I know she will be a tremendous asset to the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Dr. Cooper’s administrative career is long, as she previously served as Deputy State Superintendent and Academic Director of the Alabama State Department of Education, Administrative Director of Montgomery Public Schools Intervention , Deputy Superintendent of Schools for the City of Huntsville, Director of Equity and Engagement. Aurora Public Schools, Colorado and Principal of Denver Public Schools. She has teaching experiences ranging from early childhood education to post-secondary.
Founded in 1926, the National Association for the Education of Young Children promotes high-quality early learning for all children, from birth to age 8, by connecting practice, policy and research. NAEYC advances a diverse and vibrant early childhood profession and supports all who care for, educate and work on behalf of young children.
The NAEYC Board of Directors provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance. The members of the board of directors are elected by the 60,000 members of the association. Candidates for the competitive list are chosen for their in-depth knowledge of issues affecting high-quality early learning and the early childhood profession.
