My name is Barbara Etheredge, and I am a proud Newark native, educator, educational leader, and scholar committed to advancing equitable, innovative, and transformative learning experiences. My professional journey spans early childhood education, higher education, educator preparation, program leadership, and educational technology, with a consistent focus on developing educators and expanding opportunities for meaningful teaching and learning.

I began my career as a P–3 early childhood educator in Newark charter schools, where my philosophy of education was shaped by the belief that rigorous learning and joyful, affirming educational experiences should coexist. My approach to teaching and leadership remains grounded in care, courage, justice, respect, and responsibility, with an emphasis on cultivating learning environments in which educators and students are empowered to develop their capacity, confidence, and agency.

My professional experience has since expanded beyond the classroom to include higher education and educator preparation. I previously served as the Academic Director of the New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey (NPTNJ) / P–3 Alternate Route Program, supporting the preparation and development of aspiring educators across multiple certification pathways. This work deepened my commitment to strengthening educator pipelines, supporting professional growth, and creating accessible pathways into the teaching profession.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Family, Health, and Youth and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology. My scholarly and professional interests center on educational technology leadership, educator development, mentorship, instructional design, digital equity, and the intentional integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and gamification. I am particularly interested in how innovative technologies and human-centered leadership practices can strengthen educator preparation and contribute to more equitable and responsive learning environments.

At the core of my work is a commitment to developing people and creating pathways for their success. I view leadership as both relational and transformative, the responsibility to cultivate capacity, expand opportunity, and empower others to recognize their potential. As I continue to grow as a scholar and educational leader, I remain committed to advancing educational practices that position educators and learners not simply to adapt to change, but to confidently shape the future of education.