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Weiyi Cheng

Weiyi Cheng

Graduate ResearcherUniversity of Oklahoma

Weiyi (Emily) Cheng is a Ph.D. student at the University of Oklahoma, focusing on early childhood education. She holds a master's degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont. With over 8 years of experience in the field, Weiyi has actively contributed as an early childhood education instructor at Xinlian College of Henan Normal University for more than 3 years. Her commitment lies in advancing early childhood education through a combination of practical experiences and theoretical knowledge. Focused on exploring educational solutions and implementing them in community-based settings, she aims to bridge the gap between research and practice in ECE, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion within cultural contexts.

Thu Oct 294:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Design for Educator Wellness: Translating Research into Measurable, Scalable School-Based Interventions

This educator-led session presents findings from a multidisciplinary, post-occupancy design research initiative that examined how targeted environment

This educator-led session presents findings from a multidisciplinary, post-occupancy design research initiative that examined how targeted environmental interventions, specifically the integration of teacher wellness spaces, can support educator heal

This educator-led session presents findings from a multidisciplinary, post-occupancy design research initiative that examined how targeted environmental interventions, specifically the integration of teacher wellness spaces, can support educator health, safety, and well-being in education settings. Drawing on empirical outcomes, design documentation, and implementation insights, the session connects research evidence to real-world school environm

This educator-led session presents findings from a multidisciplinary, post-occupancy design research initiative that examined how targeted environmental interventions, specifically the integration of teacher wellness spaces, can support educator health, safety, and well-being in education settings. Drawing on empirical outcomes, design documentation, and implementation insights, the session connects research evidence to real-world school environments. Attendees will explore how design strategies aligned with HSW priorities can be adapted across diverse educational contexts, budgets, and facility constraints. 

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EDsession (60 minutes in classrooms)Session TypeTRACK 4: Evidence, Impact & the Future of Practice — Research, systems, sustainability, and accountabilitySession Track
Mia Kile
Kyong Ah Kwon
Timothy Ford
Weiyi Cheng
Mia Kile
Mia KileAssociate Professor, University of Oklahoma
Kyong Ah Kwon
Kyong Ah KwonProfessor, University of Oklahoma
Timothy Ford
Timothy FordAssociate Professor and Program Area Coordinator (Tulsa), University of Oklahoma
Weiyi Cheng
Weiyi ChengGraduate Researcher, University of Oklahoma
Mia Kile
Mia KileAssociate Professor, University of Oklahoma
Kyong Ah Kwon
Kyong Ah KwonProfessor, University of Oklahoma
Timothy Ford
Timothy FordAssociate Professor and Program Area Coordinator (Tulsa), University of Oklahoma
Weiyi Cheng
Weiyi ChengGraduate Researcher, University of Oklahoma
Tags:Group E
Allow Registration:No
Capacity Unlimited:No
Indicate how the topic is applicable to Health, Safety, Welfare (HSW) Design credits.:This session qualifies for HSW credit by addressing how the design and modification of educational facilities directly impact educator health, safety, and welfare. Participants will identify environmental factors, such as spatial conditions, acoustics, lighting, air quality, privacy, and ergonomics, that affect educators’ physical health, stress, and job performance. The session evaluates evidence-based, wellness-centered design strategies that enhance physical and psychological safety, including interventions feasible within existing facilities. Attendees will apply these strategies to promote equity, functional performance, and well-being in resource-constrained settings. By assessing the organizational value of investing in educator wellness, linked to retention, attendance, and instructional effectiveness, the session reinforces how responsible architectural decisions advance HSW outcomes at both human and institutional scales.
Learner Engagement:This session is designed as a facilitated, interactive learning experience rather than a traditional lecture. Engagement strategies include: • Brief peer-to-peer reflection exercises using participant experience • Small-group discussions analyzing real project scenarios and constraints • Live polling to compare challenges and priorities across attendee roles • Guided discussion connecting research findings to attendees’ current projects These activities support adult learning principles and foster cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Learning Objective 1:Identify environmental factors within educational facilities that impact educators’ health, safety, and well-being.