Dr. Hawani Negussie

Dr. Hawani Negussie is the Chair and Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Massachusetts Global, where she leads innovative programs preparing the next generation of early childhood educators. Her career spans the full spectrum of early childhood care and education (birth–21/PK–16), with experience in direct service, program leadership, policy development, and international research.
Dr. Negussie's pedagogical approach is shaped by her diverse work with children and families across multiple settings, including roles as child life specialist, early interventionist, program director, and early childhood educator. With professional background spanning various sectors and cross-continental experience, she brings transformative insights to education, drawing from local and global perspectives to equip educators serving diverse children, families, and communities. Central to her work is a deep belief in the power of play as a foundational medium for learning and development. In her teaching, she bridges theory and practice by integrating the latest research on play-based learning with practical, community-informed strategies, creating meaningful and impactful educational experiences.
A scholar-practitioner, her research and public scholarship have been featured in The Conversation, Inside Higher Ed, CABI, and the Journal of Educational Leadership. She currently serves on the California Count, Play, Explore Advisory Committee, advocating for inclusive, developmentally appropriate STEAM-focused early learning spaces.
Dr. Negussie is also Founder and Executive Director of Early Childhood Education Ethiopia, a nonprofit expanding access to early learning in rural communities in Ethiopia. The organization gained international recognition as the first early education infrastructure project in Africa registered under the Envision sustainability framework.
Education History
2014
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
California State University, Long Beach
Dissertation:“Integration of Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Practices in Early Childhood Care and Education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. An Exploratory Case Study”
2006
M.A. in Elementary Education / Early Childhood Education
California State University, Long Beach
1999
B.A. in Child Development
California State University, Northridge
Minor: Psychology
Scholarly Activities
2024
- Negussie, H., & Abate, T. (2024). Agri-Curriculum: The foundational role of Indigenous knowledge in early childhood education and beyond. CABI eBooks, 330-340.
2023
- Johnson, J.B., Castillo, N., Nagthall, N.V., & Negussie, H. (2023). Invisible Labor and Emotional Currency. Inside Higher Education
2022
- Negussie, H. (2022). Why do kids have to go to school? The Conversation
2021
- Negussie, H. (2021). How Cultural Intelligence and Inclusive Practices in PK-16 Influences Teacher Preparation and Student Outcomes. National Center for Institutional Diversity, Medium
2018
- Negussie, H., & Slater, C.L. (2018). Indigenous knowledge and early childhood care and education in Ethiopia. Journal of Educational Leadership Policy and Practice, 33(2), 4-16.
Professional Experience
2017: Chair and Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education, UMass Global
2016: Adjunct Instructor, El Camino College
2005: Program Director, Mattel Child Development Center, Bright Horizons
2000: Child Life Specialist, UCLA Children's Hospital
Education History
2014
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
California State University, Long Beach
Dissertation:“Integration of Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Practices in Early Childhood Care and Education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. An Exploratory Case Study”
2006
M.A. in Elementary Education / Early Childhood Education
California State University, Long Beach
1999
B.A. in Child Development
California State University, Northridge
Minor: Psychology
Scholarly Activities
2024
- Negussie, H., & Abate, T. (2024). Agri-Curriculum: The foundational role of Indigenous knowledge in early childhood education and beyond. CABI eBooks, 330-340.
2023
- Johnson, J.B., Castillo, N., Nagthall, N.V., & Negussie, H. (2023). Invisible Labor and Emotional Currency. Inside Higher Education
2022
- Negussie, H. (2022). Why do kids have to go to school? The Conversation
2021
- Negussie, H. (2021). How Cultural Intelligence and Inclusive Practices in PK-16 Influences Teacher Preparation and Student Outcomes. National Center for Institutional Diversity, Medium
2018
- Negussie, H., & Slater, C.L. (2018). Indigenous knowledge and early childhood care and education in Ethiopia. Journal of Educational Leadership Policy and Practice, 33(2), 4-16.
Professional Experience
2017: Chair and Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education, UMass Global
2016: Adjunct Instructor, El Camino College
2005: Program Director, Mattel Child Development Center, Bright Horizons
2000: Child Life Specialist, UCLA Children's Hospital
Related Programs
