Bridging Two Worlds: Four Korean American Teacher Educators' Transnational Journeys in U.S. Classrooms

Session Submission Type: Alternative Format Session

Abstract

This study examines four Korean American teacher educators' transnational journeys from South Korean classrooms to U.S. universities. Through their narratives, we explore how cultural hybridity, language adaptation, and professional identity formation shaped their pedagogical approaches. Their experiences reveal how integrating Korean educational traditions with American practices creates innovative "third spaces" for literacy instruction. These educators' stories illuminate how transnational perspectives can enrich teacher preparation programs and better serve increasingly diverse student populations in American classrooms.

Content Area

• AREA 12. International Research on Teaching and Learning

Chair

• Bong Gee Jang, Syracuse University

Discussant

• Sohee Park, William Paterson University

Presenters

• Hyoju Ahn, Northern Illinois University

• Seongryeong Yu, Old Dominion University

• Kewman Lee, Missouri State University

• Bong Gee Jang, Syracuse University