Dr. Thornburg is a former president of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Her research and policy efforts relate to early childhood programs, teacher training, school readiness, and parenting education. Dr. Thornburg has taught third grade, been a professor at the Universities of Kentucky and Missouri, directed child development labs serving children ages six weeks to 10 years, directed the Center for Family Policy and Research at MU, and served as assistant commissioner for the Missouri Department of Education. She currently directs the Institute for Professional Development at the University of Missouri.