Hala Sun
She/Her
FacultyEnhanced Digital Learning Initiative
Continuing System Academic Specialist – Curriculum Development
Biography
Dr. Hala Sun received her PhD in Education at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), with dual specializations in Applied Linguistics and Writing Studies. She also obtained her master’s degree in TESOL and Public Administration (MPA). For several years, Dr. Sun taught academic writing and linguistic courses at UCSB. As an Instructional Designer, she also trained educators on how to create innovative online content materials to enhance students’ engagement in e-learning platforms. Aside from teaching/training, Dr. Sun worked as an Assessment Analyst for McGraw-Hill and the American Councils for International Education. Dr. Sun also worked as a Program Evaluator at Oxnard College, designing and evaluating STEM and Student Success programs using quantitative and qualitative analysis. Through her expertise in grant writing and evaluation work, she secured multi-year, multi-million grants for the college from the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Sun is proud to be a US Army Reserve soldier.
Publications
Sun, H., Yuan, Y., & Lee, J.S. (2023). “Don’t look down on us”: Analyzing perceptions toward hybridized language practices of Korean Americans. Paper presented at AERA, Chicago, IL.
Lee, J. S., & Sun, H. (2024). Valorizing heritage language speakers’ multicompetence: Sociolinguistic justice for a Korean American ethnolect. In A. Kibler, G. Bunch, & A. Walqui (Eds.), Equity in multilingual schools and communities: Celebrating the contributions of Guadalupe Valdés (pp. xx-xx). Multilingual Matters.
Lee, J. S., Lee, W., & Sun, H. (2020). Raciolinguistic positioning of language models in a Korean-English dual language immersion classroom. In N. Flores, N. C. Subtirelu, & A. Tseng (Eds.), Bilingualism for all? Raciolinguistic perspectives on dual language education (pp. 177-198). Multilingual Matters.
Sun, H., & Lee, J. S. (2016, April). Emergent Bilinguals’ use of hybrid semiotic practices in two-way immersion (TWI) programs. Paper presented at AERA, Washington, DC.
Sun, H. (2017, April). Preparing Emergent Bilinguals to become successful: Filling the gap through practical, non-cognitive skills. Paper presented at the K-AERA conference, San Antonio, TX.
Sun, H., & Lee, J. S. (2016, April). How Emergent Bilinguals create learning opportunities during classroom interactions. Paper presented at AAAL, Orlando, FL.
Sun, H., & Lee, J. S. (2015, August). Equitable learning opportunities for Emergent Bilinguals. Paper presented at the 2015 KATE International Conference, Seoul, Korea.
Sun, H., & Lee, J. S. (2015, April). Creating equitable learning opportunities for English language learners. Poster presented at the business meeting of AERA, Division E, Chicago, IL.
Sun, H. (2013, March). Enhancing students’ learning through fun communicative activities. Poster presented at the meeting of the Monterey Bay Symposium, Monterey, CA.
Sun, H. (2012, September). ESL learners’ motivation through engagement in regular goal-setting reflection activities. Poster presented at the meeting of the CATESOL, Fullerton, CA.