James Ernest

James Ernest is a Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), School of Education. His work focuses on early childhood education, teacher development, and program evaluation. He has held academic positions at UAB since 2010, previously serving as Associate Professor before being promoted to Professor in 2013. Dr. Ernest earned his Ph.D. in Education from UAB, alongside degrees from the University of New Orleans and the University of Exeter (UK).

His research explores effective educational practices for young children, particularly in state-funded pre-kindergarten programs like Alabama’s First Class. He has expanded the Alabama Reflective Coach professional development model to over 1,600 classrooms and evaluated its impact on teacher and child outcomes. His studies also address disparities in special education needs and the long-term benefits of early childhood programs.

Key research themes include cross-cultural pedagogy (e.g., in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Uganda), technology integration in early education, and the role of play in holistic development. His publications span journals in education, special education, and international collaboration.

Dr. Ernest teaches across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at UAB. His work emphasizes teacher preparation, inclusive practices, and bridging theory with classroom realities.