We are seeking proposals for a one-day symposium in November 2025 on (foreign) language teacher identity within various sociocultural, institutional, and policy-driven contexts. Language teacher identity (LTI) is a crucial aspect of teacher development and professionalization, which is dynamic and multifaceted in nature. This conference aims to explore the evolving nature of LTI, examining how educators construct, negotiate, and perform their professional identities in diverse linguistic and educational settings at any stage of their career. Through empirical research, theoretical perspectives, case studies and reflective narratives, we aim to highlight the interplay between identity, pedagogy, professionalization, and teacher development. 

Key themes:

• Identity formation in multilingual and multicultural classrooms,
• The influence of teacher education programs on LTI,
• (Foreign) Language use in classrooms and its influence on LTI,
• Language policies, professional development, and their impact on LTI,
• The intersection of teacher agency and professionalization,
• Digital technologies and their role in shaping teacher identity,
• Migration, integration, and the evolving role of language educators.

Confirmed keynote speakers:

Gary Barkhuizen (University of Auckland)

David Gerlach (University of Wuppertal)

Sílvia Melo-Pfeifer (University of Hamburg)

The Call for Papers is out! Please visit https://indico.uni-paderborn.de/event/114/overview to submit an abstract.

Dr. Katharina v. Elbwart & Dagmar Keatinge, English Department at Paderborn University
Committee for Research and Academic Careers, Paderborn University

If you have any questions, feel free to send an email to Dr. Katharina v. Elbwart at Katharina.elbwart@upb.de.