Public presentation with Dr. Meike Wernicke

Ideology, policy, and teacher identity: Constructing alternative spaces of understanding in French language education

In this talk I sketch a trajectory of my research with French second language teachers in British Columbia by considering current conceptions of second language teacher professional development in a study abroad context, conceptualized here as a “rich point” for inquiry. My particular focus is on a discourse-based analysis that shows how these understandings relate to the way that French language teachers construct a professional identity vis-à-vis their teaching practices and prevailing language ideologies about authentic French language and culture – both of which point to a continuing orientation to monoglossic language policy and teaching in French second language programs. Building on the findings of this doctoral research, I discuss my current involvement in research projects that examine teacher professional development in conjunction with British Columbia’s new school curriculum and within the context of pre-service teacher education in light of the present French teacher shortage. This research advocates for a shift towards more inclusionary approaches to ongoing language development for emerging and practicing French language teachers that incorporate increased self-awareness of professional language use and reflective practice. In outlining this work, I hope to offer a sense of how my own multilingual history, educational and professional experiences continue to shape my research and teaching in a way that foregrounds a commitment to social justice, collaboration, and an orientation to transformative practices and perspectives.