Maarit Leskelä

I am a researcher in applied language studies in the field of German language and culture. My work combines research, teacher education, and hands-on experience from school settings. With a strong background in everyday school life, including several years as a teacher and in school leadership roles, I bring a practical perspective to my research. This experience helps me understand the constraints and development needs of teachers’ work and design solutions that function in real learning environments.

My research focuses on teacher agency in promoting language-aware and neurosensitive teaching. I apply nexus analysis, which connects the study of situated interaction with broader institutional and societal structures and discourses. Developing language education is part of a wider well-being policy and lifelong learning strategy.

My goal is to produce knowledge and practical models that support teachers’ work and ensure equal learning opportunities for students, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of school communities. My work emphasizes multilingualism, inclusive pedagogy, teacher education, and workplace well-being.