Resources

Teaching Resumé

Karen Turman French Teacher | Language and Culture Educator Near-native Fluency in French | Experienced Secondary and Postsecondary Instructor

Ph.D. in French Literature University of California, Santa Barbara

Doctoral Emphasis in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition
Certificate in College and University Teaching, 2013
Dissertation: "The Marginality Behind the Marginality: Gypsies and Jazz Dancers in Bohemian Paris"

M.A. in French Literature University of California, Santa Barbara, 2008

B.A. in French, Summa Cum Laude University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, 2001

Preceptor in French (2018-present)

Teach and coordinate multi-section intermediate and advanced French language courses, emphasizing proficiency-based instruction, interpersonal communication, interpretive skills, and presentational writing and speaking.
Design engaging daily lessons, assessments, and projects aligned with ACTFL proficiency guidelines and a multi-literacies pedagogical framework.
Foster inclusive, supportive classroom environments that encourage student risk-taking, curiosity, and confidence in language use.
Mentor and supervise graduate students and adjunct instructors, collaborating on shared approaches to curriculum, assessment, and student support.
Advise and support 50+ students per semester, providing individualized academic guidance and mentorship.
Conduct international research and curricular development in New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Reunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Ivory Coast, Quebec, Belgium, and France, integrating diverse Francophone perspectives into coursework.

Assistant Professor of French / Director of the French Studies Program (2015-2018)

Taught beginning through advanced French language courses, as well as culture and travel-study courses in France, with a strong focus on communicative competence.
Developed all course curricula, assessments, and instructional materials, emphasizing scaffolded learning and student engagement.
Advised and mentored undergraduate students, including first-generation college students, supporting academic success and global learning opportunities.
Recruited students for a new French minor and study-abroad programs; organized cultural programming to build a vibrant language-learning community.
Collaborated closely with colleagues to align instructional goals and foster shared pedagogical approaches.
Organized, developed, and guided a two-week travel study program to France centered on the "Revolutionary Spirit of the French."

Assistant Professor of French / Director of the French Program (2013-2015)

Revitalized the French program by redesigning curricula and assessments for beginning through advanced language courses.
Created a dynamic, student-centered classroom environment that emphasized communication, cultural awareness, and confidence in speaking.
Advised majors and minors and cultivated strong discourse communities through academic and extracurricular initiatives.
Coordinated weekly Cinéma and Conversation clubs and off-campus French and Francophone cultural excursions.
Organized and chaperoned a month-long immersive study abroad program in Orléans, France.

Instructor of record, French Language (2006-2010, 2012-2013)

Taught elementary through advanced French language courses, focusing on proficiency development and communicative outcomes.

Lecturer in English (2010)

Taught English to French university students, strengthening cross-cultural communication and instructional adaptability.

Media Center Assistant (2004-2006)

Organized, expanded, and curated one of the largest collections of French-language children's books in the United States, supporting immersion-based literacy development.
Designed and facilitated literacy programming, including interactive events for National Book Week, to foster student engagement.

Classroom Assistant (2002-2004)

Supported French immersion instruction by assisting students—including those with special learning needs—in developing reading and math skills in French.
Worked closely with lead teachers to provide individualized academic and behavioral support.
Supervised students during recess and lunch, contributing to a safe, supportive school environment.

Coordinator and Recruiter, French Trainee Program (2003-2006)

Developed, marketed and implemented a year-long international trainee (stagiaire) program, recruiting French educators to work in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Designed and delivered cultural orientation and training programs aligned with visa requirements and best practices in cross-cultural exchange.
Served as primary cultural liaison between French trainees, host families, teachers, and school administrators, supporting successful integration into school communities.

Chaperone, Back-to-Back Summer Program, Brittany, France (2006)

Served as mentor, supervisor, and cultural guide for a group of 40 fifth-grade students during a three-week immersive summer program in Rennes.
Supported students' academic, social, and emotional well-being in a residential, international setting.

English Language Assistant, TAPIF program (2001-2002)

Designed and taught conversational English lessons centered on American culture for French high school students.
Lived on site in the school residence and collaborated with colleagues in English, Spanish, and Italian.

Professional dance instructor in the U.S. and abroad (2009-present)

Teach local classes at Brown University Swing Club and Boston Lindy Hop.
Teach special class topics, judge competitions, present on cultural history, and choreograph/perform for weekend workshops at national lindy hop events.

"Francophone Pacific Topics in French Language Programs: Teaching Transcultural Competence and Sustainable Literacy." The French Review (2025).
"Prince's Innovative Style: A Minneapolis Icon." Berg Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion vol. 3 (2022)

Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad, Côte d'Ivoire (2025)
Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, Certificate of Teaching Excellence (2019-2025)
Elson Family Arts Initiative Fund for Art-Making in Nontraditional Courses (2020-2024)
Bacon Funds for Curriculum Development in France (2019-2025)

Languages: French (Highly Fluent, Near-Native), English (Native), Spanish (Basic Proficiency)
Educational Technology: Canvas LMS, Google Suite, Microsoft Office
Pedagogical Strengths: Proficiency-based instruction, inclusive teaching, curriculum alignment, student mentoring, transcultural competence and multiliteracies approach
Community Engagement: Cultural programming, advising, international education
Personal: Enthusiastic collaborator with a strong sense of humor and deep commitment to student growth and community life