Biography

Alyson Anderson is a senior at Iowa State University, pursuing a double major in Early Childhood Education and Human Development and Family Studies. She is employed part-time as a teaching assistant at the NAEYC-accredited Child Development Laboratory School. She has also begun a research capstone project as an undergraduate research assistant, delving into the development of a curriculum that emphasizes trauma-informed care in early childhood for teacher preparation programs.  

Alyson is an aspiring professional who has been working in the field for several years. She is passionate about creating awareness about the critical issues that impact the profession. Some of these issues include standing strong for diversity, equity, and inclusion even amidst controversy, supporting the next generation of educators and supporting those who feel burned out, and ensuring that all educators receive the appreciation and compensation they deserve.  

Alyson's leadership skills and dedication to her fellow undergraduates have earned her recognition from the university. She is an active participant in the ISU Honors Program and holds an executive chair in the Kappa Omicron Nu National Honor Society for the College of Human Sciences. Additionally, her demonstrated academic excellence and achievements within the field of early childhood education have earned her the May Pearsall Rickert Scholar Award.  

Alyson Anderson: Candidate Statement 1
Alyson Anderson: Candidate Statement 2

Briefly describe your relevant experience in governance and your understanding of fiduciary duties and fiscal responsibilities. How have you applied these principles in previous positions or organizations, and how do you plan to contribute to the effectiveness and financial stewardship of our Board? 

I will be upfront that I do not have direct financial management experience within a nonprofit organization such as NAEYC and at this stage in my life, I have yet had to assume any fiduciary duties or responsibilities. That being said, however, I do manage my own personal finances. Over the years, I’ve developed the ability to effectively manage my income and create and maintain a budget that effectively balances my personal financial goals for my future as well as my financial responsibilities. I have a high yields savings account that I contribute to regularly and I have a history of handling my personal finances completely, timely and accurately. Additionally, past supervisors of mine have commended me for my reliability and transparency, qualities that I believe align well with what I think about financial management. I hope I’ve made it no secret that I value collaboration! While it may not surprise you that I do not have a great deal of direct experience in a professional setting, I am confident in my ability to work with other Board members or experts to understand better and support NAEYC’s financial health should I be elected to the Governing Board. I am fully prepared and confident in my ability to seek out resources and mentorship that would enhance my understanding of financial management and fiduciary duties so that I can successfully and effectively contribute to NAEYC if needed in that role.