Karin Hognestad

Professor Karin Hognestad is a faculty member in the Department of Pedagogy at the Faculty of Humanities, Sports and Educational Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), based at Notodden Campus. An active researcher and educator, she teaches across bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels in kindergarten teacher education while serving on the board of NORBARN (National Research School for Early Childhood Education and Care).

Her academic credentials include a PhD in Pedagogy from NTNU (2016), a Master's in kindergarten pedagogy from Oslo University College (2007) focusing on the youngest children, and preschool teacher training from Telemark University College with specialization in Organization and Management. Before academia, she gained extensive practical experience as a kindergarten assistant, educational leader, and director.

Hognestad's research centers on educational leadership as embodied practice within kindergarten settings, examining knowledge management through practice theory and practice-based methodologies. Her work emphasizes leadership approaches for the youngest children, bridging theoretical frameworks with real-world kindergarten operations through her national director training initiatives.

She previously held significant leadership roles including Head of SEBUTI (Center for Kindergarten Research, Innovation and Development) from 2018-2024, Coordinator for the Master in Pedagogy program, and Course Leader for Kindergarten Management. Her national impact is evident through leadership training programs for kindergarten directors across Norway.

As an educator, she has shaped curriculum development for kindergarten teacher education, supervised theses at multiple levels, and contributed to national pedagogical standards through her research school involvement. Her practical background ensures her teaching maintains strong connections to contemporary kindergarten challenges and practices.