Meghan Barnes

Meghan Barnes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Her research focuses on sociocultural theory, community-engaged teacher preparation, and social justice pedagogies. She explores topics such as pre-service teachers’ conceptions of politics and race, the challenges of building reciprocity in community-based programs, and the impact of standardization on teacher education.

Barnes holds a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia (2017), a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2008), and a B.A. from the same institution (2007). She has presented widely at national and international conferences, including the National Council of Teachers of English, the American Educational Research Association, and the Conference on English Education.

Her work emphasizes critical approaches to education, particularly in addressing systemic inequities through curriculum design and teacher training. She has authored numerous articles in journals such as Teaching and Teacher Education, English Teaching: Practice and Critique, and the Journal of Teacher Education. Her research frequently intersects with community-based initiatives, advocating for reciprocal relationships between educational institutions and local communities.

Barnes collaborates with colleagues on projects exploring hybrid learning spaces, digital empowerment, and the role of dissent in educational discourse. Her presentations often highlight innovative methodologies for addressing political and social issues in teacher education programs.