Jennifer Chen, Ed.D.

Education 

Ed.D., Human Development & Psychology, Harvard University

Ed.M., Language & Literacy, Harvard University

M.A., Bilingual/Bicultural Education, Teachers College, Columbia University

B.A., Psychology with a minor in Linguistics, Barnard College, Columbia University 

Biography

Dr. Jennifer Chen is an educational scientist and tenured full professor and chair of the Department of Early Childhood Education at Kean University. She has served in several other leadership positions, including as the former president of the New Jersey Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NJAECTE), the former co-president of the NJAECTE, and a former board director of the New Jersey Chapter of the Fulbright Association. Prof. Chen actively engages in research in the areas of early childhood education and psychology. Most recently, she has developed a great interest in the use/overuse/misuse of AI-generative technology for educational purposes. Prof. Chen is a prolific, internationally-recognized scholar who has authored/co-authored more than 80 scholarly publications, including three books, co-edited volumes, and many refereed research articles. Prof. Chen is also an award-winning researcher, author, distinguished scholar, distinguished college professor, and research mentor. The honors and recognitions that have been bestowed on her include the 2020 NAECTE (National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators) Foundation Established Career Award for Research on Early Childhood Teacher Education, the 2021 Kean Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Scholarship, the Kean Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Kean Faculty Research Mentor of the Year award, a Fulbright Scholar research award, a book winner award, and many University research awards. In 2022, Prof. Chen was honored with the NJAECTE’s Distinguished Scholarship in Early Childhood Teacher Education/Early Childhood Education Award. Most recently, Prof. Chen was named a 2023 Exchange Leader in the Exchange Leadership Initiative. She was also honored with the 2023 Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher Educator award from the NAECTE Foundation. 

 

MOST RECENT GRANT


Principal Investigator: Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Program at Kean, a grant from the U.S. Department of Education

Grant Award Amount: More than 2.7 million dollars for a four-year grant period (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2026)

MOST RECENT DISTINGUISHED HONORS AND AWARDS


2023

Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher Educator award from the NAECTE (National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators) Foundation 


2023

Exchange Leader, Exchange Leadership Initiative

2022

Highly Distinguished Publication Award, Kean University

For the article, Chen, J. J., Li, Z., Rodrigues, W., & Kaufman, S. (2022). Thriving beyond resilience despite stress: A psychometric evaluation of the newly developed Teacher Stress Scale and the Teacher Thriving Scale. Frontiers in Psychology. 13:862342

2022

NJAECTE’s Distinguished Scholarship in Early Childhood Teacher Education/Early Childhood Education Award

2021

Kean Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Scholarship

2020

Research on Early Childhood Teacher Education Established Career Award from the NAECTE (National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators) Foundation 

2016

Winner of the Academic’s Choice Smart Book Award, Book title: Connecting Right from the Start: Fostering Effective Communication with Dual Language Learners 

2010

Kean Faculty Research Mentor of the Year Award

2009

Kean Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching

SCHOLARLY PUBLICATIONS (90+)


Authored/Co-authored Books:

 

Li. H., & Chen, J J. (2023). The glocalization of early childhood curriculum: Global childhoods, local curricula. Routledge. ISBN-13: 9781032229508


Chen, J. J. (2016). Connecting right from the start: Fostering effective communication with dual language learners. Lewisville, NC: Gryphon House 

       (“an award-winning publisher of early childhood resources”). 

ISBN-13: 9780876594933

Winner of the 2016 Academics’ Choice Smart Book Award

 

Chen, J. J.-L. (2007). How the academic support of parents, teachers, and peers contributes to a student’s achievement: The case of Hong Kong. Lewiston, 

NY: Edwin Mellen Press. ISBN-13: 9780773455078

Edited and Co-edited Journal Issues:

 

Chen, J. J.-L. & Tracey, D. H. (2009) (Eds.). Journal of School Connections, 2(1). Union, Kean University. [Journal of School Connections is a  national refereed journal]

 

Chen, J. J.-L. & Tracey, D. H. (2008) (Eds.). Journal of School Connections, 1(1). Union, Kean University. [Journal of School Connections is a national refereed journal]

 

Chen, J. J.-L. (2008) (Ed.). School Connections (Action Research). Union, Kean University. [School Connections is a college-based journal]

 

Chen, J. J.-L. (2008) (Eds.). School Connections (Middle Level Education). Union, Kean University. [School Connections is a college-based journal]

Journal Articles:


Chen, J. J., Liang, X., & Lin, J. C. (2024). Weaving the fabric of social and emotional learning in the context of teaching: A Study in Hong Kong Kindergarten classrooms. Early Childhood Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-024-01682-0


Chen, J. J., & Lin, J. C. (2024). The double-edged sword of artificial intelligence: Wielding the POWER principles to maximize its positive effects and     

       minimize its negative effects. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 25(1) 146–153.

https://doi.org/10.1177/14639491231169813


Chen, J. J. (2024). In search of silver linings in teaching during COVID-19: A study of early childhood teachers’ perspectives. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and practice, 30(1), 49-70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2023.2225436


Chen, J. J. (2023). Pedagogical adaptability as an essential capacity: Reflective practice of applying theory to practice among first-year early childhood teachers during remote instruction. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 44(4), 723-746. https://doi.org/10.1080/10901027.2022.2147879


Chen, J. J. (2023). Reflecting on reflection among early childhood teachers: A study of reflection for, in, and on action intersecting with the technical, practical, and critical dimensions. Reflective Practice, 24(3), 324-346. https://doi.org/10.1080/14623943.2023.2194624


Chen, J. J. (2023). Neoliberalism and neocolonialism in the mix: Evidence of glocalization in the globalization-localization dynamics of early childhood practices in Hong Kong. Policy Futures in Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/14782103231171977

Chen, J. J., & Garcia*, M. M. (2023). Teaching demands and resources: Early childhood teachers’ experiences of remote and hybrid instruction during COVID-19 in the United States. Education 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2023.2206833

Chen, J. J., & Perez, C. (2023). Enhancing assessment and personalized learning through artificial intelligence. Childhood Education, 99(6), 72-79.

https://doi.org/10.1080/00094056.2023.2282903


Chen, J. J., & Krieger, N. J. (2023). Learning gain rather than learning loss during    COVID-19: A proposal for reframing the narrative. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 24(1), 82-86. https://doi.org/10.1177/14639491211073144

Chen, J. J., Kacerek*, C. R., & Ruiz*, M. (2023). The letter-naming benchmarks, growth profiles, and the efficacy of an interactive learning app on uppercase letter-name learning for preschool children. International Journal of Technology in Education (IJTE), 6(1), 113-135. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.360

Chen, J. J., & Badolato*, H. (2023). Scaffolding social and emotional learning in preschool children from low-income backgrounds: A study of teacher strategies during COVID-19. Education 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2023.2168131

Chen, J. J., & Li, H. (2023). Tian Shi (timing) Di Li (context) Ren He (human capital): A new theoretical framework for analyzing the implementability of imported early childhood practices and making a case for a hybrid model. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 37(2), 292-309. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2022.2107588

Chen, J. J. (2023). Leadership at play in preschool children: A systematic synthesis of nearly nine decades of research. Early Education and Development, 34(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2021.1988036


Chen, J., J., & O’Donnell*, B. (2023). Facilitating children’s social and emotional development in virtual learning: Implications for in-person teaching. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 58(S1), 82-86. https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2022.2125128


Chen, J., J., & O’Donnell*, B. (2022). Facilitating children’s social and emotional development in virtual learning: Implications for in-person teaching. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 59(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2022.2125128

Chen, J. J., & Othman*, R. O. (2022). At the helm of navigating the remote instruction terrain. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 58, 178–182. https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2022.2110823

Chen, J. J. (2022). Assessing preschool children’s letter-name knowledge: Responsive practices. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 58(3), 130-135. https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2022.2076532

 

Chen, J. J., & Kacerek*, C. (2022). Leaders and followers during sociodramatic play: A study of racial/ethnic minority preschool children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 36(3), 517-540. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2021.1960939

 

Chen, J. J., & Rivera-Vernazza* D. (2022). Communicating digitally: Building preschool teacher-parent partnerships via digital technologies during COVID-19. Early Childhood Education Journal, 51, 1189-1203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-022-01366-7


Chen, J. J., & Adams*, C. B. (2022). Drawing from and expanding their toolboxes: Preschool teachers’ traditional strategies, unconventional opportunities, and novel challenges in scaffolding young children’s social and emotional learning during remote instruction amidst COVID-19. Early Childhood Education Journal, 51, 925-937. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-022-01359-6


Chen, J. J., & Othman*, R. O. (2022). Educational leaders as navigators: How do they sail through the novel remote instruction waters during COVID-19? Kappa Delta Pi Record, 58(4), 178-182. https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2022.2110823


Chen, J. J. (2022). Self-compassion as key to stress resilience among first-year early childhood teachers during COVID-19: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Teaching and Teacher Education, 111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2021.103627

 

Chen, J. J., Li, Z., Rodrigues*, W., & Kaufman*, S. (2022). Thriving beyond resilience despite stress: A psychometric evaluation of the newly developed Teacher Stress Scale and the Teacher Thriving Scale. Frontiers in Psychology. 13:862342. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.862342

 

Chen, J. J. (2022). Between the foreground and the background lies the middle ground: Painting a harmonious early childhood curriculum landscape. ECNU Review of Education. 5(2), 328-337. https://doi.org/10.1177/20965311221092035

 

Chen, J. J. (2019). Cultural-developmental perspective: Chinese immigrant students’ academic achievement motivation as an illustrative example. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.9707/2307-0919.1153

 

Chen, J. J., & Ren, Y. (2019). Relationships between home-related factors and bilingual abilities among Chinese-English dual language learners from immigrant, low-income backgrounds. Early Childhood Education Journal, 47(4), 381-393. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-019-00941-9

 

Chen, J. J., & Ahmadein*, J. (2018). Respectful practices with infants and toddlers: Educating and caring for the youngest children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Dimensions of Early Childhood, 46(3), 7-12 [Spanish version, 13-18].

 

Chen, J. J., & Liang*, X. (2017). Teachers’ literal and inferential questions and children’s responses: A study of teacher-child linguistic interactions during whole-group instruction in Hong Kong kindergarten classrooms. Early Childhood Education Journal, 45(5), 671-683. 

   https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-016-0807-9

 

Sun, P., Chen, J. J., & Jiang, H. (2017). Coping humor as a mediator between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction among Chinese primary school teachers. Journal of Personnel Psychology, 16(3), 155-159.  https://doi.org/10.1027/1866-5888/a000185

 

Li, H., & Chen, J. J.  (2017). Evolution of the early childhood curriculum in China: The impact of social and cultural factors on revolution and innovation. Early Child Development and Care, 187(10), 1471-1483. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2016.1220373

 

Chen, J. J., Sun, P., & Yu, Z. (2017). A comparative study on parenting of preschool children between the Chinese in China and Chinese immigrants in the United States. Journal of Family Issues, 38(9), 1262–1287. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X15619460

 

Chen, J. J., Li, H., & Wang, J. (2017). Implementing the Project Approach: A case study of hybrid pedagogy in a Hong Kong kindergarten. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 31(3), 324-341. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2017.1309479

 

Chen, J. J., Martin, A., & Erdosi-Mehaffey, V. (2017). The process and impact of the Infant/Toddler Credential as professional development: Reflections from multiple perspectives and recommendations for policy. Early Childhood Education Journal, 45(3), 359-368. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-015-0767-5

 

Li, H., Yang, W., & Chen, J. J. (2016). From ‘Cinderella to beloved princess’: The evolution of early childhood education policy in China. International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 10(2), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40723-016-0018-2

 

Li, H., Yang, W., Chen, J. J., & Huang, R. (2016). The development and future challenges of preschool education in China (In Chinese). Early Childhood Education (Educational Sciences), (11), 16-21.


Chen, J. J. (2016). The development of an interlanguage: An analysis of a Chinese student’s English writing. NYS TESOL Journal, 3(1), 47-56.

 

Chen, J. J., & de Groot Kim, S. (2014). The quality of teachers’ interactive conversations with preschool children from low-income families during small-group and large-group activities. Early Years: An International Research Journal, 34(3), 271-288.  https://doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2014.912203

 

Chen, J. J., & Liu, X. (2012). The mediating role of perceived parental warmth and parental punishment in the psychological well-being of children in rural China. Social Indicators Research, 107(3), 483-508. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-011-9859-9

 

Chen, J. J.-L., Chen*, T., & Zheng*, X. X. (2012). Parenting styles and practices among Chinese immigrant mothers with young children. Early Child Development and Care, 182(1), 1-21.  https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X15619460

 

Chen, J. J., & Shire, S. H. (2011). Strategic teaching: Fostering communication skills in diverse young learners. Young Children, 66(2), 20-27.

 

Chen, J. J.-L. (2010). Gender differences in externalising problems among preschool children: Implications for early childhood educators. Early Child Development and Care, 180(4), 463-474. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430802041011

 

Chen, J. J.-L. (2008). Grade-level differences: Relations of parental, teacher and peer support to academic engagement and achievement among Hong Kong students. School Psychology International, 29(2), 183-198. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143034308090059

 

Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Relation of academic support from parents, teachers, and peers to Hong Kong adolescents’ academic achievement: The mediating role of academic engagement. Genetic, Social, and General Psychology Monographs, 131(2), 77-127. https://doi.org/10.3200/MONO.131.2.77-127   [Article derived from dissertation research]

   (Google Scholar Citation Count: 504 as of March 8, 2024) 

 

Yeh, C. J., Chen, J., Kwong, A., Chiang, L., Wang, Y.-W., & Pu-Folkes, F. (2002). Educators of Asian bilingual students: Pedagogical techniques, strategies and challenges. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 23(4), 296-315. https://doi.org/10.1080/01434630208666471


*Kean current/former student.

Book Chapters, Book Review, and Other Publications:

 

Chen, J. J., & Battaglia, D. (2023). Introduction and book overview. In Brillante, P., Chen,   J. J., Cuevas, S. et al. (Eds.), Casebook: Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8 (p. 1-5). NAEYC.


Chen, J. J. (2023). Part 8: Supporting dual language learners and respecting cultural and linguistic diversity. In Brillante, P., Chen, J. J., Cuevas, S. et al. (Eds.), Casebook: Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8 (p. 172-173), NAEYC.

 

Erdosi, V., & Chen, J. J. (2023). Engaging dual language learners in conversation to support translanguaging during small-group activities. In Brillante, P., Chen, J. J., Cuevas, S. et al. (Eds.), Casebook: Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8 (p. 178-182). NAEYC.


Chen, J. J., & Adams*, C. B. (2022). Facilitating preschoolers’ emergent literacy development through a Digital Library. Childhood Education, 98(1), 64-69. https://doi.org/10.1080/00094056.2022.2020553                    

 

Chen, J. J. (2017). Early childhood policy in China. In L. Miller, C. Cameron, C. Dalli, & N. Barbour (Eds), SAGE handbook of early childhood policy 

(pp. 165-179). SAGE Publications, Inc. 

 

Hong, X., & Chen, J. (2016). A critical analysis of the changing landscape of early childhood education in mainland China: History, policies, progress, and future development. In H. Li, E. Park, & J. Chen (Eds.), Early childhood education policies in Asia Pacific: Advances in theory and practice (pp. 31-50). Springer. 

 

Li, H., Park, E., & Chen, J. (2016). Different problems, same themes: A summary of this book.  In H. Li, E. Park, & J. Chen (Eds.), Early childhood education policies in Asia Pacific: Advances in theory and practice (pp. 285-289). Springer.

 

Li, H., Park, E., & Chen, J. (2016). Preface: From sound bites to sound solutions: Advancing the policies for better early childhood education in Asia Pacific. In H. Li, E. Park, & J. Chen (Eds.), Early childhood education policies in Asia Pacific: Advances in theory and practice (pp. vii-xiii). Springer. 

 

Chen, J. J. (2016). Factors affecting the formation and reformation of ethnic identity: A study of the psychological well-being of Chinese immigrant adolescents. In R. Bowers (Ed.), Psychological well-being: Cultural influences, measurement strategies and health implications (pp. 129-143). Nova Science Publishers.

 

Chen, J. J. (2016). Educating English language learners for success in the 21st century: Facilitating their acquisition of multiliteracies. In M. Yildiz & S.  Keengwe (Eds.), Handbook of research on media literacy in the digital world (pp. 75-90). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-9667-9.ch004

 

Chen, J. (2015). Effective teaching strategies for facilitating the language acquisition of English language learners. Idiom, 45(2), 14-16.

 

Chen, J. (2014). What is dual language immersion, and what does research say about its effectiveness? In K. N. Nemeth (Ed.), Young dual language learners: A guide for PreK-3 leaders (pp. 89-90). Philadelphia, PA: Caslon Publishing. 

 

Chen, J. J.-L. (2013). Gifted and talented education in New York City: One Chinese family’s perspective and experience. In J. Cai & D. Yun (Eds.), Gifted education in the USA (pp. 167-175) [in Chinese]. China: Zhijiang Education Publisher.

 

Chen, J. (2013). Preschool programs. In Ainsworth, J. (Ed.), Sociology of education: An A-to-Z guide (Vol. 2, pp. 600-604). Sage Publications. 

 

Chen, J. (2013, March 29). [Review of the Book Language building blocks: Essential linguistics for early childhood educators, by A. Pandey]. Teachers College Record, http://www.tcrecord.org ID Number: 17067.

 

Chen, J. (2010). Supervised fieldwork guide. Kean University. 

 

Chen, J. & Yildiz, M. (2010). Preparing English language learners for academic success in the 21st century: Teaching multiple literacies. In C. Crawford et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2010 (pp. 3152-3155). AACE.

 

Yildiz, M, & Chen, J. (2010). Global Literacy Project: Connecting Turkish-American students to their heritage language, culture, and history through media literacy. In C. Crawford et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2010 

  (pp. 2559-2562). AACE.

 

Tracey, D. H., & Chen, J. J.-L. (2009). Editors’ introduction. Journal of School Connections, 2(1), 1. Kean University.

 

Chen, J. J.-L. & Tracey, D. H. (2008). Editors’ introduction. Journal of School Connections, 1(1), 1. Kean University.

 

Chen, J. J., & Tracey, D. H. (2008). Journal of School Connections. College of Education News, 11(5), 18. Kean University. 

 

Chen, J. J., & Weiland, L. (2007). Helping young children learn mathematics: Strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners. Exchange, 174

46-47 & 50-51. 

 

Chen, J. J.-L. (2007). Achievement motivation among Chinese immigrant and Chinese  American students: Examining cultural, psychosocial, and 

socio-historical contexts. In P. R. Zelick (Ed.), Issues in the psychology of motivation (pp. 97-113). Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers.

 

Chen, J. J. (2007). Possibilities abound: Utilizing technologies and children’s literature to promote multicultural understanding. College of Education News, 11(4), 28 & 31. Union, NJ: Kean University.

 

Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Perceived academic support from parents, teachers, and peers:  Relation to Hong Kong adolescents’ academic behavior and achievement in Family Involvement Research Digest. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Family Research Project. 

   https://archive.globalfrp.org/publications-resources/publications-series/family-involvement-research-digests/perceived-academic-support-from-parents-  

    teachers-and-peers-relation-to-hong-kong-adolescents-academic-behavior-and-achievement

 

Chen, J. J., & Yang, Y. (2003). Implications of Harvard admissions system on Chinese universities [in both English and Chinese]. Higher Educational Research in Areas of Communications, 65(1), 19-25.



*Kean current/former student.


Publications in PsycTESTS:

 

Chen, J. J., Li, Z., Rodrigues, W., & Kaufman, S. (2022). Teacher Stress Scale (TSS) [Database record]. APA PsycTests. PsycTests ID: 999985552. https://doi.org/10.1037/t85552-000

 

Chen, J. J., Li, Z., Rodrigues, W., & Kaufman, S. (2022). Teacher Thriving Scale (TTS).  [Database record]. APA PsycTests. PsycTests ID: 999985551. https://doi.org/10.1037/t85551-000


Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Perceived Friend/Peer Academic Support Scale (PFASS) [Database record]. APA PsycTests. ID: 999902757. https://doi.org/10.1037/t02757-000

 

Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Perceived Academic Engagement Scale (PAES) [Database record]. APA PsycTests. ID: 999902758. https://doi.org/10.1037/t02758-000

 

Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Perceived Parental Academic Support Scale (PPASS). [Database record]. APA PsycTests. ID: 999902755. https://doi.org/10.1037/t02755-000


Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Perceived Teacher Academic Support Scale (PTASS). [Database record]. APA PsycTests. ID: 999902756. https://doi.org/10.1037/t02756-000