AATF Minnesota
French Teacher of the Year
2023 - 2024
Dr. Joëlle Vitiello
Macalester Collge
Dr. Joëlle Vitiello, Professor and Chair of French and Francophone Studies, Macalester College, has been named Minnesota’s French Teacher of the Year by the American Association of Teachers of French – Minnesota chapter.
Dr. Vitiello, who goes by her name Joëlle in the classroom, embodies professionalism and dedication. She has carefully crafted her career, combining the teaching and promotion of the French language and Francophone cultures with administrative leadership responsibilities, participation and/or presentations at national and international conferences, symposia, and workshops, and publications on topics of interest within the Francophone world. She has developed countless courses during her tenure at Macalester. They have attracted students due to their contemporary focus and depth of content, and her dynamic teaching style. Hannah Conner, a Macalester student, commented on one of Joëlle’s courses, stating that it was “enriching, engaging, and challenging, but most importantly, it expanded my worldview. [Joëlle] de-centered my understanding of French and Francophone cultures, and she asked me to interrogate my values.”
Joëlle’s impact on students goes well beyond the classroom. Jordan Galloway, a student in her literary analysis class said that “Professor Vitiello is a constant presence on campus, involved in the International Roundtable organization, bringing guest speakers from around the world, and so much more.” Joëlle represents our profession with passion, care, and devotion.
Joëlle will be honored this spring at the annual AATF – Minnesota Awards dinner. More information about that is forthcoming. Hope to see you there.
Congratulations, Joëlle! We are honored to have you represent us.
Your AATF - Minnesota Chapter Executive Board