Jeeyoung Ahn Ha

Jeeyoung Ahn Ha is the Director of the Korean Language Program and Assistant Head in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She specializes in language pedagogy, curriculum development, and technology-enhanced language instruction, with a focus on Korean language education and heritage learners.

• Director of Korean Language Program (2004–present)
• Assistant Head, East Asian Languages and Cultures
• Co-developer of online Korean courses and proficiency assessments
• President, Midwest Teachers of Korean (MATK)

Her research emphasizes standards-based curriculum design, teacher training, and collaborative projects, including contributions to the Integrated Korean textbook series. She has led initiatives like the 8-week online Elementary Korean course and the semi-adaptive Korean proficiency/placement test.

Recent publications highlight her work in heritage language education, technology integration, and collaborative curriculum frameworks. Grants from CEAPS, Title VI, and the Korean Ministry of Education underscore her institutional support for expanding Korean language education in the U.S.

• Illinois State Treasurer Award (2022)
• LAS Academic Professional Award (2022)
• IPRH Reading Group Awards (2006–2007, 2015–2016)

She actively engages in professional service, including roles on the AATK Executive Board, CLIC committees, and the Korean Honor Society. Her work bridges pedagogical innovation with practical tools for learners through initiatives like Let’s Talk in Korean.