PRR Project

Summary

This position of Assistant Professor (P) in Educational Sciences for the Department of Education and Psychology, in articulation with the RU, is aimed at developing the disciplinary area of Language Education, specifically regarding didactics of plurilingualism and education for linguistic and cultural diversity in pedagogy and teacher education.TASKSRegarding teaching duties, P should be able to:assume teaching duties in the department´s bachelor´s, master´s and doctoral programs in the area of language teacher education;create and participate in continuous teacher training initiatives and in pedagogical innovation programs;supervise master and PhD students in the development of their research and intervention projects;employ pedagogical-didactic methodologies, strategies and resources that raise awareness of the importance of linguistic diversity at an individual and societal level;build synergies between teacher education, research and community engagement in didactics of plurilingualism and education for linguistic and cultural diversity.As to research, P is expected to: conduct high-quality original research, designing national and international research projects, securing external funding, with diverse institutions and stakeholders;disseminate findings through publications in journals, conference presentations, and other scholarly outlets;mentor undergraduate and graduate students, involving them in research activities;collaborate in research projects with peers within the institution, as well as with researchers from other institutions or disciplines.As to community engagement, P is expected to:engage with the broader community by sharing expertise and research findings (giving public lectures, participating in community forums, writing news articles, hosting educational events);collaborate with community organizations, non-profits, government agencies in collaborative projects and provide consulting services;engage with policymakers to inform decision-making and shape public policy as to language education policies.SCIENTIFIC PROFILE- PhD in Education- experience in teacher education degrees and in continuous teacher education programs;- expertise in synergies between teacher education, research and community engagement in didactics of plurilingualism and education for linguistic and cultural diversity;- coordination and participation in research projects, funded through competitive calls, in Language Education;- scientific recognition through peer-reviewed publications, presentation of oral communications, invited communications, among other relevant elements;- contribution to the development of language education resources aimed at diversified publics /pupils, students, trainee teachers, supervisors);- student supervision and mentoring (from undergraduate to postdoctoral);- collaboration with colleagues and other stakeholders (teachers, programmers, etc.) in activities of educational research, teaching, knowledge dissemination, and management.RATIONALEThe need for hiring in this area is related to the importance of educating teachers able to address the challenges posed by linguistic and cultural diversity in educational settings. The global context of increasing mobility and migration poses challenges to education, especially regarding linguistic and cultural diversity. In Portugal, the rise in the foreign population underscores the need to address linguistic and cultural heterogeneity. In 2022, 798,480 foreign nationals resided in the country, representing approximately 7.6% of the population. Thus, schools and the educational community are increasingly confronted with the challenge of receiving and integrating linguistic and cultural heterogeneity, highlighting issues related to the language of instruction, the role of pupils’ heritage languages in learning processes, the role of languages in identity construction and in integration and inclusion.This requires educators and teachers capable of creating inclusive learning environments and contributing to the implementation of language and culture-friendly policies. European language policies have been underlining the need to educate teachers within a holistic vision of language education that considers not only functional aims but also a political and moral dimension, assigning language education and teacher training a crucial role in shaping individuals into effective communicators, culturally aware citizens, and active participants in a globalised world. In this context, language education and teacher training for plurilingual and intercultural education for democratic culture is seen as a key means to contribute to a more peaceful, fair, democratic, and sustainable world.