I began teaching at the University of Mary in 2003 as an adjunct faculty member and was hired in 2004 as a full-time assistant professor in the Division of Education and U-Mary's Early Childhood Program coordinator. I teach many of the early childhood classes at the undergraduate level, including Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Play and Social Interactions, Developing Learning Environments, Children’s Literature, and Cognitive and Language Development, and also coordinate and supervise the practicum field experiences for early childhood students. Through University of Mary, I recently hosted a group of students on a study tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy, visiting schools joining other university groups from North America. 

Community and Professional Interests

• Vice President for Public Policy - North Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children
• Children’s Choir Director and Celebrate Worship Team Leader at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church : Contact Us! : Staff Contacts
• Advisory Council for the Head Start State Collaboration Office: Children and Family: Services: Department of Human Services: State of North Dakota
• Lobbyist on state and national level for early childhood and child care issues
• Harold Schafer Leadership Center Education Operations Team- Harold Schafer Leadership Center 

On Teaching . . .

"I bring to the world a philosophy of education that integrates home, school, and community systems in a meaningful and powerful way in order to surround a child with resources to develop from birth to adulthood. I believe that innovative thinking and a vision for what is developmentally appropriate can empower teachers to motivate learners in becoming creative thinkers, discovering potential in themselves and the world, and striving to achieve at a high level.”

-Barb Arnold-Tengesdal

Education

    M.Ed. Teaching 
        Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA
    B.A. Child Development and Psychology
        University of LaVerne, LaVerne, CA

Professional Memberships

• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• North Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children (NDAEYC)
• North Dakota Association of Teacher Educators (NDATE)
• North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA)
• Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)

Professional Awards

• 2003 North Dakota Commission on the Status of Women - Inspiration Award for Advocacy
• 2002 NDAEYC Meritorious Award for outstanding service in the filed of early childhood
• 2001 Public Policy Fellow for Children’s Defense Fund- Emerging leaders in Early Childhood
• 1987 Teacher of the Year Finalist for NOCROP Vocational program

Presentations and Professional Activities

• 2008 - Double Play: Using Children's Literature and Writing in Math Learning Centers, North Dakota Reading Association Annual Conferenc, Jamestown, ND
• 2006 - Student/Professors North American Study Group- Reggio Emilia, Italy
• 2006 - Advisory Board for the development of the North Dakota Early Learning Guidelines
• 2006 - State team for Advancing Quality Pre-Kindergarten in ALL states meeting hosted by the Council of Chief State School Officers and Pew Charitable Trusts
• 2005 & 2006 - North Dakota Program for Infant Toddler Caregivers conference
• 2007 - presented concept paper at Child Care at a Crossroads: Rethinking a Long Term Strategy gathering hosted by invitation only by National Women’s Law Center
• 2006 - Presenter at Missouri Valley NDAEYC meeting – legislative issues facing early childhood professionals in the 2007 legislative session

Publications

• Introduction to Early Childhood Education
• Children’s Literature
• Cognitive and Language Development
• Curriculum development in early childhood education
• Practicum in Early Childhood Education
• Developing Learning Environments
• Play and Social Interaction