Early childhood literacy development, family literacy, digital literacy, children’s play, and teacher-parent-child relationships.

Chunru (Jerry) Dong is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership (TLPL) program, specializing in Language, Literacy, and Social Inquiry (Literacy Education) at the University of Maryland. Chunru works with his advisor Dr. Jennifer D. Turner to conduct research focused on holistic, play-based curricula to explore the multifaceted nature of early childhood development within educational systems and critically examine how literacy and language practices across school, family, and community settings shape young children’s learning experiences and outcomes. 

Chunru earned his bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from Gordon College and his master’s degree in Early Education and Child Study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He worked as an ECE classroom teacher in Boston for three years  and currently serves as a project manager for True Light, an educational company based in Beijing. He designs curriculum and conducts courses for young Chinese parents, focusing on holistic, theory-based approaches to early childhood education. His work aims to bridge the relationship gap between parents and children, creating supportive learning environments where children, families, and educators can thrive together.

Contact: cdong666@umd.edu 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-chunru-dong-00566a111/ 

University of Maryland Jacob K. Goldhaber Travel Grant (2026)

University of Maryland Naomi P. Hentz Memorial Fund (2025)

University of Maryland Dean’s Fellowship (2023 – 2026)
University of Maryland the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (2023 – 2025)
University of Maryland COE Fellowship (2023 – 2026)
University of Maryland College of Education COE Scholarship (2023 – 2025)
University of Massachusetts Amherst Helen Eaton Timson Scholarship (2022)
Gordon College Presidential Honors & Presidential Scholarship (2015 – 2019)

See CV.

TLPL 792- Qualitative Research II: Analysis and Interpretation of Data (2026 Fall)
– Instructional Assistant

TLPL 461 - Materials and Instruction for Creating Skilled and Motivated Readers (2026 Fall)
– Instructional Assistant

TLPL 618 - Digital Learning Tools and Communities (2026 Spring)
– Record of Instructor

TLPL 344 - Culturally Responsive Language and Literacy Instruction in Diverse Elementary Classrooms (2026 Spring)
– Instructional Assistant

TLPL 792- Qualitative Research II: Analysis and Interpretation of Data (2025 Fall)
– Instructional Assistant

TLPL 343 - Promoting Skilled and Motivated Readers in Diverse Elementary Classrooms (2025 Fall)
– Instructional Assistant

TLPL 300 - Digital Learning Tools and Communities (2025 Spring)
– Instructional Assistant

TLPL 344 - Culturally Responsive Language and Literacy Instruction in Diverse Elementary Classrooms (2025 Spring)
– Instructional Assistant

TLPL 206 - Forbidden Books - Censorship of Children’s and Young Adult Literature (2024 Fall)
– Instructional Assistant

TLPL 341 - Assessing Language and Literacy Development in Elementary Classrooms (2024 Fall)
– Instructional Assistant

TLPL 342 - Promoting Skilled and Motivated Readers in Diverse Elementary Classrooms (2024 Spring)
– Instructional Assistant

TLPL 341 - Assessing Language and Literacy Development in Elementary Classrooms (2023 Fall)
– Instructional Assistant