Alyssa Barnes, Ph.D.

Dr. Alyssa Barnes is an associate professor in the Elementary and Special Education Department at the University of North Georgia. She earned her PhD in special education with an emphasis in education law and policy at the University of Georgia. She completed her MEd in special education from the University of Virginia and her BSEd in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Samford University.

Dr. Barnes began her teaching career as a first/second grade co-teacher in a full-inclusion classroom in the Cobb County School District. After three years, Dr. Barnes transitioned into her doctorate training. While at the University of Georgia, she served as a graduate assistant instructor and clinical supervisor. Following the completion of her doctorate degree, she accepted a position at North Georgia College and State University. She taught at the institution for five years and was awarded promotion and tenure. However, Dr. Barnes returned to the elementary setting where she taught both general and special education in Marietta City Schools. She was selected as Teacher of the Year before rejoining UNG’s faculty in 2018.

• Ph.D., Special Education, University of Georgia, 2010
• M.Ed., Special Education, University of Virginia, 2003
• B.S., Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Samford University, 2001

Teaching Certifications

• Educational Leadership System Level (P-12)
• Early Childhood Education (P-5)
• ESOL (P-12)
• Middle Grades (4-8)
• Middle Grades Language Arts (4-8)
• Middle Grades Social Science (4-8)
• Special Education Adapted Curriculum Consultative (P-12)
• Special Education General Curriculum Consultative (P-12)
• Special Education Language Arts Cognitive Level (P-5; 4-8)
• Special Education Math Cognitive Level (P-5; 4-8)
• Special Education Reading Cognitive Level (P-5; 4-8)
• Special Education Science Cognitive Level (P-5; 4-8)
• Special Education Social Science Cognitive Level (P-5; 4-8)