Aline Germain-Rutherford

Aline Germain-Rutherford is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa, where she currently serves as Vice-Provost, Academic Affairs (since September 2018) and Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning (since July 2016). Her distinguished career encompasses leadership roles in language education and pedagogical innovation across North America and internationally, with previous positions including Director of the Centre for University Teaching and Director of the Canadian Centre for Studies and Research on Bilingualism and Language Planning at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.

Dr. Germain-Rutherford holds a doctorate in Didactics and Didactology of Second Languages and Cultures from the Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris 3), which forms the foundation of her expertise in language pedagogy and intercultural communication. Her educational background reflects a deep commitment to linguistic diversity and innovative teaching approaches.

Her research program centers on the integration of active pedagogies in e-learning environments, with particular emphasis on developing inclusive online spaces that accommodate cultural diversity. She investigates language didactics through an intercultural lens, exploring plurilingual and pluricultural approaches to language teaching, and examines the application of speech technologies in language instruction. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom applications, emphasizing technology integration while maintaining pedagogical integrity. Recent projects focus on pandemic response in education and creating equitable digital learning environments.

Dr. Germain-Rutherford's scholarly contributions demonstrate a consistent trajectory toward understanding how technology can enhance language learning while respecting and leveraging linguistic diversity. Her recent publications reveal growing attention to equity and inclusion in digital educational spaces, pandemic response strategies, and the development of frameworks for plurilingual education that honor diverse linguistic identities.

Her significant recognition includes:

• 2005 3M National Award for excellence in teaching and educational leadership at the university level

As an educational leader, Dr. Germain-Rutherford directs major research initiatives including the international LINCDIRE project, which promotes plurilingual and pluricultural trajectories of language learners while developing pedagogical models inspired by both Western and Indigenous approaches. She serves as consultant for the Hartford Library's 'Linking Learning and Belonging' project funded by US National Leadership Grants. Her leadership extends to directing Middlebury College's French School and contributing to Middlebury Interactive Languages, demonstrating her ability to bridge academic research with practical educational applications across diverse institutional contexts.

Dr. Germain-Rutherford collaborates with international research teams funded by the European Centre for Modern Languages, focusing on technology integration in language education. Her work connects academic scholarship with real-world educational challenges, maintaining active partnerships across Africa, North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East where she has served as keynote speaker and visiting professor.