Dr. Alejandra Barraza
President and CEO
HighScope Educational Research Foundation
Dr. Alejandra Barraza is President and CEO of HighScope Educational Research Foundation. For more than 50 years, the Foundation has worked to empower educators, families, and children. HighScope believes all children deserve access to high-quality, equitable early education.
At HighScope, Dr. Barraza has been committed to implementing research-based practices in early childhood classrooms, putting research into practice. With a focus on the process of learning, Dr. Barraza advocates for learning through play.
Prior to HighScope, Dr. Barraza spent 18 years with the San Antonio Independent School District, first as a teacher, then a principal of a Head Start with the San Antonio Independent School District. Dr. Barraza attended the University of Texas at Austin. There she earned a doctoral degree in curriculum instruction, with an early childhood education concentration.
As part of her doctoral work, she interned at the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Barraza also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She has authored several articles on topics such as the importance of play in early learning and diversity and equity in ECE.