Su-Jeong Wee

Teaching is an integral part of my identity as an academic. I am passionate about helping students think critically not only about early childhood development and teaching young children but also as they reflect on their own practices. Furthermore, I value respecting and being open to diversity. Understanding and respecting different backgrounds and assets each child brings to the school and the classroom are essential. In that sense, I emphasize pursuit of social justice and equality in my teaching. My teaching style combines innovation, enthusiasm, and critical analysis. I always strive to create caring and respectful atmosphere in the classroom where students are aware that I am not just delivering information and piece of knowledge but also passionate and enthusiastic about teaching them.

CHDV 2000 “Techniques for the Study of Children”

CHDV 2300 “Program Design in Early Childhood”

CHDV 4950 “Directed Field Experience”

 CHDV 5000 “Studying Children: Theories and Methods”

My research interests include diversity in early childhood, children’s social and emotional development, children’s multicultural literature/picture books, Asian American children and their families, and early childhood teacher education. The overall goal of my scholarship is to explore complex intersectionality that young children experience within their sociocultural contexts through a critical lens. I pursue scholarship that will have impact on multiple levels from improving immediate practices in the field to teacher preparation at the college level. I am excited to contribute to identifying and developing various instructional methods that help young children develop appropriately, especially with respect to understanding, attaining positive attitude, and respecting different cultures.

• Wee, S., Meacham, S., & Kim, J. (2022, accepted). Being (Asian) American Children: Children’s exploration of racial/cultural identity and racism through multimodal representations. Race and Ethnicity Education.
• Wee, S., Dennis, J., Lo, Y., Ly-Hong, K., & Ulloa, P. (2022). Early childhood practicum students’ experience during COVID-19. International Journal of Early Years in Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669760.2022.2128306
• Meacham, S., Wee, S., Hsieh, W.-Y., Chen, P.-C., & Davis, B. (2021/2022). Searching for mirror books for young Asian/Asian-American children with disabilities. Asian American Literature: Discourses and Pedagogies, 11, 35-52.
• Meacham, S., Hsieh, W.-Y., Wee, S., Chen, P.-C., & Davis, B. (2022). Disabilities portrayed in picture books with the Pura Belpre Award. Souls: New Review of Children’s Literature and Librarianship. https://doi.org/10.1080/13614541.2021.2020552
• Wee, S., Kim, S., & Kim, J. (2022). “Don’t bully. We are all different”: Bullying toward children with different racial backgrounds and special needs. Journal of Early Child Research.
• Kim, J., Wee, S., & Meacham, S. (2021). What is missing in our teacher education practices: A collaborative self-study of teacher educators with children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studying Teacher Education, 17(1), 22-37. https://doi.org/10.1080/17425964.2021.1895102
• Wee, S., Kim, M., Chung, K., & Kim, S. (Published Online, 2021). Children’s Perspective-Taking and Understanding of Bullying through Bullying-Themed Books and Role-Playing. Journal of Research in Childhood Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2020.1864523
• Wee, S., Meacham, S., & Kura, K. (2021). “Half and Half”: Racial Identity Development of Multiracial Asian American Children Portrayed in Children’s Picture Books. Journal of Children’s Literature, 47(1), 21-35.
• Wee, S., & Lee, Y. (2020). Writing letter to characters in bullying-themed stories: An approach to preventing bullying in early childhood. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 45(3), 266-279. https://doi:10.1177/1836939120936002
• Meacham, S., Kim, J., Wee, S., & Kim, K. (2021). ReZooming our academic home using the suda (수다) approach. Special issue, Transnational auto ethnography in Higher Education: The (im) possibility of finding home in academia. Qualitative Inquiry. https://doi.org/10.1177/10778004211002771
• Kura, K., Wee, S., Weber, E., & Nalbone, D. (2019). Acculturation of Japanese and American intermarried couples. International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding, 6(5), 611-626.
• Kim, S., Wee, S., & Park, S. (2019). Exploring multicultural books through predictions and social interactions: A case study with kindergarteners in the United States. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood Education, 44(1), 32-47.
• Wee, S., Kim, K., & Gilbert, B. (2019). The magic of fractured tales in early childhood classroom from entertaining to critical thinking. Journal: Early Childhood Education, 46(1), 30-39.
• Wee, S. (2018). Reconsidering school as shared enactment of genre: Possibilities for the dramatic child. Asian Education Review, 2(2), 25-35.  
• Wee, S., Kim, J., & Kura, K. (2018, Summer). Unpacking Japanese culture in children’s picture books: Culturally authentic representation and historical events/political issues. Reading Horizons, 57(2), 35-55.
• Kim, J., & Wee, S. (2020). Silent voices of homelessness: Content analysis of homelessness in children’s picture books from 1990 to 2016. Early Childhood Development and Care, 190(3), 364-375. https://doi:10.1080/03004430.2018.1473388
• Wee, S., Lee, Y., & Kim, K. (2019). “Cinderella did not Speak Up”: Critical approach using folk/fairy tales and their parodies in early childhood classroom. Early Child Development and Care, 189(11), 1874-1888. https://doi:10.1080/03004430.2017.1417856
• Kim, J., Wee, S., & Kim, K. (2018). Walking the roads as immigrant mothers and teacher educators: A collaborative self-study of three Korean immigrant early childhood educators. Studying Teacher Education, 14(1), 22-38. https://doi:10.1080/17425964.2017.1411255
• Kim, S., Song, A., Tilman, D., & Wee, S. (2017). Teaching literacy via multimedia-enriched activities within bilingual classroom: A multiple case study. The Media Education Research Journal, 8(1), 72-94.
• Kim, K., Wee, S., Hitchens, C., Han, M., & Sohn, J. (2017). Facilitating children’s abilities of inference and arts appreciation through art program based on visual literacy theory. International Journal of Education through Art, 13(3), 317-332.
• Kim, S., Wee, S., & Lee, Y. (2017). ‘The color of heart is more important’: Korean kindergartener’s exploration of racial diversity through poem writing. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 42(1), 60-69
• Kim, K., Wee, S., & Gilbert, B. (2017). Opening a window to foster children’s self-confidence through creative art activities. Dimension of Early Childhood, 45(2), 4-12.
• Kim, S., Wee, S., & Lee, Y. (2016). Teaching kindergarteners racial diversity through multicultural literature: A case study in a kindergarten class in Korea. Early Education & Development, 27(3), 402-420.
• Kim, K., Wee, S., Gilbert, B., & Choi, J. (2016). Young children’s physical and psychological well being through yoga. Childhood Education, 92(6), 437-445.
• Wee, S., Kim, S., & Kim, K. (May, 2016). Case study of Korean children’s understanding of racial diversity through role-play. Asia-Pacific Journal of Research in Early Childhood Education, 10(2), 127-151.
• Gilbert, B., Kim, K., Lee, G., & Wee, S. (March, 2016). Raising teacher quality through early childhood professional development: Centering on a case of the state of Arkansas in USA. ArATE Electronic Journal, 7(1), 2-14. Retrieved from  http://www.arkansasate.org/documents/Volume%207,%20Number%201%20Mar%202016.pdf.
• Wee, S., Park, S., & Choi, J. (2014). Korean culture as portrayed in young children’s picture books: The pursuit of cultural authenticity. Children’s Literature in Education, 46(1), 70-87. https://doi: 10.1007/s10583-014-9224-0
• Wee, S., Weber, E., & Park, S. (2014). Early childhood practicum students’ professional growth in the USA: Areas of confidence and growth. International Journal of Early Years in Education, 22(4), 409-422. https://doi:10.1080/09669760.2014.911644. 
• Park, S., Yang, S., & Wee, S. (2014). Are we expert? Perspective of Korean teachers on their careers in infant and toddler care. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 39(1), 56-64.  
• Wee, S., Shin, H., & Kim, M. (2013). Young children’s dramatic play and development of personal intelligences based on the Multiple Intelligences theory. International Research in Early Childhood Education, 4(1), 53-72.
• Lee, Y., & Wee, S. (2013). Kindergarten children’s understanding of base-ten notation through formal and informal instructions: Comparative study in the United States and Korea. International Journal of Early Childhood Education, 19(1), 153-170. 
• Chun, H., Wee, S., & Park, S. (2013). Adjustment of Korean first-graders to elementary school: The role of family income, type of early childhood education program, and private education before and after school entry. International Journal of Human Ecology, 4, 1-16. 
• Chun, H., Seo, H., & Wee, S. (2011). Early childhood students’ understanding, attitudes, and self-efficacy toward multicultural education in Korea and the United States. Journal of Korean Child Care and Education, 7(4), 69-94. 
• Wee, S. (2011). A case of drama education for kindergarten children in the United States: Drama specialists’ beliefs and practices of drama education. Journal of Child Studies in Diverse Contexts, 1(1). 59-75. 
• Wee, S. (2011). A case of collaboration between a drama specialist and early childhood classroom teachers in a drama program. International Research in Early Childhood Education, 2(1), 45-62.
• Wee, S. (2010). Integrated drama education with math in early childhood. Journal of Korean Montessori Education, 15(2), 37-58. 
• Wee, S. (2009). A case study of drama education curriculum for young children in early childhood program. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 23(4), 489-501.

Han, S., Kim, J., Meacham, S., & Wee, S. (accepted). Unpacking Korean American families’ parenting beliefs and practices: Foundations for authentic partnership advocacy, and beyond. Research paper presented at AERA’s 2023 Annual conference, April 13-16, 2023, Chicago, IL.

Wee, S., Kim, J., Han, S., & Meacham, S. (accepted). “This book is not about Me”: Korean American children’s lived experiences about Asian Americans picture books. Research paper presented at AERA’s 2023 Annual conference, April 13-16, 2023, Chicago, IL.

Wee, S., Son, M., Ly-Hoang, K., & Zambrano, L. (accepted). Cultural competence of preservice teachers of color in early childhood education. Roundtable paper presented at AERA’s 2023 Annual conference, April 13-16, 2023, Chicago, IL.

Gomez, M., Perez, S., Kouyoumdjian, C., Lo, Y., & Wee, S. (accepted). A LatCrit analysis of U.S. deportation, portrayed in children’s picture books about LatinX Families. Roundtable paper presented at AERA’s 2023 Annual conference, April 13-16, 2023, Chicago, IL.

Lo, Y., Wee, S., Zhang, X., & Zambrano, L. (accepted). Unpacking Taiwanese culture portrayed in children’s picture books in the U.S. Research paper to be presented at AERA’s 2023 Annual conference, May 4-5 (Virtual component), 2023, Chicago, IL.

Wee, S., Kim, J., & Yang, V. East and Southeast immigrant Asian children portrayed in children’s picture books: Centering on deficit perspective and social support system. Research paper presented at AERA’s 2022 Annual conference, April 22-25, 2022, San Diego, CA.

Wee, S., Meacham, S., Kim, J. Being (Asian) American: Young children’s exploration of racial/cultural identity and representations of Asian racism. Research paper presented at AERA’s 2022 Annual conference, April 22-25, 2022, San Diego, CA.

Han, S., Kim, J., Meacham, S., & Wee, S. Bringing Asian American Children and Families to Light: Expanding the Racial Discourse in Early Childhood. Symposium proposal presented at AERA’s 2022 Annual conference, April 22-25, 2022, San Diego, CA.

Lee, K., Han, S., Kim, J., Meacham, S., Wee, S. et al. Re/searching response-ability in the wake of Anti-Asian hate crime: A wrestle of Korean American educators. Symposium presented at AERA’s 2022 Annual conference, April 22-25, 2022, San Diego, CA.

Han, S., Kim, J., Meacham, S., & Wee, S. Empowering Asian American children and families in the midst of racial tensions. Education for Justice: The 2nd Annual Anchin Center Conference University of South Florida. October 15-16, 2021.

Wee, S. (2019). No more bullying: Anti-bullying approach in an early childhood classroom by writing letters to characters. Research poster presented at NAEYC’s 2019 Annual Conference, November 20-23 in Nashville, TN.

Gilbert, B., Kim, K., & Wee, S. (2019). The use of mindfulness with young children, parents, and teachers: Values, benefits, and practices. Research poster presented at NAEYC’s 2019 Annual Conference, November 20-23 in Nashville, TN.

Meacham, S., Kim, J., Wee, S., & Kim, K. (2019). Four transnational female Korean teacher educator’s suda as collaborative auto ethnography. Research paper presented at Korean-American Education Research Association (KAERA) 2019 Annual Conference, April 5, 2019, Toronto, Canada.  

Wee, S., & Meacham, S. (2019). “Amerasian” Children’s racial identity portrayed in children’s picture books. Research paper presented at AERA 2019 Annual Conference, April 5-9, in Toronto, Canada.

Wee, S. (2019). Writing letter to characters in bullying-themed stories: Approach to preventing bullying in early childhood. Research paper presented at AERA 2019 Annual Conference, April 5-9, in Toronto, Canada.

Wee, S., & Kim, J. (2018). Eastern and Southeast Asian immigrants portrayed in children’s picture books: Going beyond challenges/difficulties and social supports. Research poster presented at NAEYC’s 2018 Annual Conference, November 15-18 in Washington, DC.

Wee, S., & Meacham, S. (2018). Unpacking children’s picture books on mixed heritage Asian children: Centering on their racial identity. Research poster presented at NAEYC’s 2018 Annual Conference, November 15-18 in Washington, DC.

Kim, J., Wee, S., & Kim, K. (2018). A collaborative self-study: Examining interactional experiences in immigrant mothering and teaching at higher education. Research paper presented at AERA 2018 Annual Conference, April 13-17 in New York, NY.

Wee, S., Gilbert, B., & Kim, K. (2018). Empowering children through reading parodies in the early childhood classroom. Virtual paper presentation at Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education 29^th Annual conference, March 26-30 in Washington, DC.

Wee, S., & Kim, K. (2017). Critical Literacy Approach using Parody Stories: A Case Study in a Kindergarten Classroom in Korea. Research poster presented at NAEYC’s 2017 Annual Conference, November 15-18 in Atlanta, GA.

Wee, S., & Kim, J. (2017). Pursuit of Japanese Cultural Authenticity in Young Children’s Picture Books Published in the U.S. Research poster presented at NAEYC’s 2017 Annual Conference, November 15-18 in Atlanta, GA.

Kim, J., & Wee, S. (2017). Homelessness in Children’s Picture Books in U.S. Research poster presented at NAEYC’s 2017 Annual Conference, November 15-18 in Atlanta, GA.

Kim, J., Wee, S., & Kim, K. (2017). Rethinking culturally responsive teaching in early childhood classrooms: Through the eyes of immigrant early childhood teacher educators. 1 ½-hour session presented at NAEYC’s 2017 Annual Conference, November 15-18 in Atlanta, GA.

Wee, S., & Kim, K. (2017). Promoting Children’s Critical Thinking using Parody Stories. Research paper presented at the annual conference of the American Education Research Association, April 27-May 1 in San Antonio, TX.

Wee, S., & Kura, K. (2017). Analysis of Japanese Culture Portrayed in Young Children’s Picture Books. Research poster presented at the annual conference of the American Education Research Association, April 27-May 1 in San Antonio, TX.

Kim, K., & Wee, S. (2016). Facilitating children’s abilities of interference and arts appreciation through a visual literacy art program. Research poster session at NAEYC’s 2016 annual conference, November 2-5 in Los Angeles, CA.

Kim, K., Wee, S., & Hitchens, C. (2016). Enhancing children’s art appreciation and critical thinking through art intervention program based on visual literacy theory. Research paper presented May 20-23 2016 at the 12^th International Congress of Qualitative inquiry in Champaign-Urbana, IL.

Wee, S., & Kim, K. (2016). Developing Critical Thinking Using Parody Books in Preschool Classrooms. Workshop presented at the 2016 Indiana Early Childhood Conference scheduled for April 7-9, 2016. Indianapolis, Indiana.

Kim, K., & Wee, S. (2016). Facilitating children’s abilities of inference and arts appreciation through art program based on visual literacy theory. Research paper presented at the annual conference of the American Education Research Association, Washington, DC.

Kim, S., & Wee, S. (2016). Teaching racial diversity and equality through poem writing: A case study of a Korean kindergarten classroom. Roundtable research paper presented at the annual conference of the American Education Research Association, Washington, DC.

Wee, S., & Kim, K. (2015). Korean kindergarteners’ perception and attitude toward racial diversity through role-play. Research poster presented at NAEYC’s 2015 Annual Conference November 18-21 in Orlando, FL.

Wee, S., Kim, S., & Kim, K. (2015). Are we all same? Multicultural education through role-play in South Korea. Research paper presented May 20-23 2015 at the Eleventh International Congress of Qualitative inquiry in Champaign-Urbana, IL.

Kim, K., & Wee, S. (2015). Building young children’s self-confidence through art intervention program. Research paper presented May 20-23 2015 at the Eleventh International Congress of Qualitative inquiry in Champaign-Urbana, IL.

Wee, S., & Kim, K. (2015). Selecting developmentally appropriate multicultural picture books in early childhood. 2015 Indiana AEYC Early Childhood Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Kim, K., & Wee, S. (2015). Developing lifelong healthy habits through yoga. 2015 Indiana AEYC Early Childhood Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Kim, S., & Wee, S. (2015). Possibilities and challenges of multicultural picture books in Korea: A case of Korean kindergarten classroom. Research paper presented at the annual conference of the Korean-American Education Researchers Association (KAERA), Chicago, Illinois.

Park, S., Wee, S., & Chun, H. (2015). Participation in childcare services and infant development.  Research paper presented at the annual conference of the American Education Research Association, Chicago, Illinois.

Kim, S., & Wee, S. (2014). Teaching diversity in Korea: Korean kindergarteners’ literary discussions about racial diversity during read-aloud. Research paper presented at the Literacy Research Association’s 64th Annual Conference, Marco Island, Florida.

Wee, S., & Park, S. (2014). Analysis of Korean culture portrayed in young children’s picture books. Research paper presented at the Literacy Research Association’s 64th Annual Conference, Marco Island, Florida.

Wee, S. (2014). Kindergarten children’s understanding of basic math concepts through formal and informal instructions: Cross cultural study between the United States and Korea. Research paper presented at the annual conference of the American Education Research Association, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   

Wee, S. (2013). Identifying areas of confidence and concern for early childhood practicum students: Professional growth and development. Research paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

Wee. S. (2012). Children’s role-playing and personal intelligences in Multiple Intelligences theory. Research poster presented at American Education Research Association, Vancouver, Canada.

Wee, S., & Weber, E. (2011, November). Early childhood practicum students’ professional growth: Areas of confidence and concerns. Research paper presented at NAEYC Annual conference. Orlando, Florida. 

Wee, S., Choi, J., & Shin, H. (2011, November). Children’s role-playing for enhancing personal (intrapersonal and interpersonal) intelligences in Multiple Intelligences theory. Research paper presented at NAEYC Annual conference. Orlando, Florida.

Wee, S. & Weber, E. (2011, June). Early childhood practicum students’ areas of confidence and growth. Research poster presented at NAEYC’s 20^th National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development, Providence, Rhode Island.

Wee, S. (2011, May). Integrated drama curriculum with math in early childhood. Research paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

Wee, S. (2011, April). Integrated drama with math in early childhood. Research paper presented at American Education Research Association, New Orleans, Louisiana.  

Wee, S. (2011, February). When drama meets math: Integrated drama curriculum in early childhood. Action research roundtable presented at PDK (Phi Delta Kappa) International’s Conference on Innovations in Teaching and Learning, Atlanta, Georgia.

Wee, S. (2011, January). Integrated drama curriculum with math in early childhood. Research paper accepted at Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Wee, S. (2011, January). Drama as school art for young children. Research paper accepted at Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Wee, S. (2010, June). Collaborative journey of drama specialist and early childhood classroom teachers. Research poster presented at NAEYC's 19th National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development, Phoenix, Arizona.

Wee, S. (2010, May). Collaborative journey of early childhood drama education. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

Wee, S. (2009, May). A case study of drama education in early childhood education. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

Wee, S. (2009, May). Process and conflicts of collaboration between a drama specialist and early childhood classroom teachers. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

Wee, S. (2009, April). A case study of drama education curriculum for young children. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, San Diego, California. 

Wee, S. (2009, April). The Dramas of Collaboration between a Drama Specialist and Early Childhood Classroom Teachers. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, San Diego, California. 

Wee, S. (2008, June). Collaboration between drama specialist and classroom teachers for drama program. Poster presented at the Ethnographic & Qualitative Research Conference, Cedarville, Ohio. 

Wee, S. (2007, May). Drama as an art form in early childhood education. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Qualitative Inquiry, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

Wee, S. (2007, May). Collaboration for early childhood drama curriculum. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Qualitative Inquiry, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

Wee, S. (2007, April). Integrated drama curriculum for early childhood education. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, Illinois.

Wee, S. (2005, May). Teachers’ strategies in early childhood drama instruction. Paper presented at the University of Illinois Department of Curriculum & Instruction annual graduate student symposium, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.

Ph.D., Elementary Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL   2009             

M.A., Early Childhood Education, Ewha Womens University, Seoul, Korea, 2001

B.A., Early Childhood Education, Ewha Womens University, Seoul, Korea, 1999