Seunghoon Han, PhD

What attracted you to UNI?

I was drawn to UNI and the College of Education because of its strong commitment to preparing effective and reflective educators. The collaborative atmosphere and focus on both pedagogical excellence and community engagement align closely with my values as a teacher educator.

Describe an experience that reinforces why you enjoy what you do. 

I find deep fulfillment in working with future educators as they develop their own teaching philosophies and critical perspectives. Supporting their growth as thoughtful, responsive practitioners continually reminds me of the purpose and potential of this work. During my time at Penn State as a Ph.D. student, I was honored to receive the Harold F. Martin Graduate Assistant Outstanding Teaching Award, which affirmed my commitment to teaching and mentoring in teacher education.

What are your areas of expertise or research focus?

My expertise lies in critical approaches to social studies education, with a focus on identity, citizenship, and belonging in classroom contexts. I examine how schools shape students’ understandings of themselves and others through curriculum, pedagogy, and daily interactions. Using qualitative methodologies, I explore how education is connected to broader social and cultural issues.

What do you hope your students learn from you?

I hope students come to see teaching as both an intellectual and ethical endeavor—one that requires critical reflection, relational awareness, and a deep sense of purpose. I want them to engage with educational questions thoughtfully, understand the broader social and cultural dimensions of schooling, and cultivate an orientation toward teaching that is responsive, compassionate, and critically reflective.