Teacher education for an inclusive school system: Connecting policy and classroom practice

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26443/mje/rsem.v60i1.10349

Keywords:

Inclusion, social justice, neo-liberalism, Neo-conservatism, teacher education, education policy, document analysis

Abstract

This article examines how pre-service teachers are prepared to teach linguistically and culturally diverse learners. Document analysis examined the current policy framework in Iceland and provided an insight into how the policy is guiding praxis in teacher education. The findings reveal contrasting ideologies in education policies and measures in Iceland, as well as a missing link from theory to didactics in teacher education regarding teaching in diverse classrooms. To ensure equity in education, developing teacher knowledge and perspectives about diversity is crucial, as well as providing teachers with solid pedagogical tools. These enable them to practice inclusive pedagogy in multicultural and multilingual school environments where neoliberal and neoconservative voices have gained influence.

Author Biographies

Edda Óskarsdóttir, University of Iceland

is a professor at the University of Iceland’s School of Education. Her research focuses on inclusive education and pedagogy, especially teacher education, special needs education, and professional learning through self-study and collaborative action research. She contributes to international work on inclusive school leadership and support structures that enable participation and achievement for all learners. Her most recent publication is “Working With Multilingual Students in Iceland: Exploring Educational Experiences of Newly Graduated Teachers” in Teacher Education for Working in Linguistically Diverse Classrooms: Nordic Perspectives (Language Science Press, 2025). eddao@hi.is

Renata Emilsson Peskova, University of Iceland

is an associate professor at the School of Education, University of Iceland. Renata’s research interests are in the field of educational linguistics, and include plurilingualism and multilingualism, linguistically responsive and plurilingual pedagogies, language policies, heritage and second language education, and linguistic identities. Her current research project, Plurilingual Pedagogies for Diverse Classrooms, explores how students and teachers can build upon their linguistic repertoires to enhance their learning and teaching. Renata’s work in grassroots organizations, Móðurmál — the Association on Bilingualism, Forum of Heritage Language Coalitions in Europe, and Heritage Language Global Think Tank, complements her academic work (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5618-5030). renata@hi.is

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Published

2026-03-25

How to Cite

Óskarsdóttir, E., & Emilsson Peskova, R. (2026). Teacher education for an inclusive school system: Connecting policy and classroom practice . McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill, 60(1), 201–220. https://doi.org/10.26443/mje/rsem.v60i1.10349

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Special Issue - Articles