Joy Yi Wang
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Senior Academic Staff Member
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About
Originally from China, I began my journey at Wintec as a visiting scholar in 2009, later teaching part-time during my PhD studies. I’ve been a full-time ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teacher and applied linguistics researcher since 2017.
Outside of work, I’m a passionate Parkrunner, a community advocate through the Treaty in Our Language (ToiL) programme, and a Friend of Pukemokemoke Bush. I love gardening, which often inspires my reflections on personal and learner growth. I also love dumplings—and make lots of them!
Outside of work, I’m a passionate Parkrunner, a community advocate through the Treaty in Our Language (ToiL) programme, and a Friend of Pukemokemoke Bush. I love gardening, which often inspires my reflections on personal and learner growth. I also love dumplings—and make lots of them!
Awards
Co-chair of Waikato TESOL and Chair of the Treaty in Our Language (ToiL) Advisory Committee.
Published in Language Teaching Research, Language Learning, and Studies in Second Language Acquisition.
Co-editor of two Routledge volumes:
- Narratives of Qualitative PhD Research: Identities, Languages and Cultures in Transition (2022)
- Research Ethics in Second Language Education: Universal Principles, Local Practices (2020)
Currently working on a new volume with Routledge: Authenticity and Autonomy in Language Education
Published in Language Teaching Research, Language Learning, and Studies in Second Language Acquisition.
Co-editor of two Routledge volumes:
- Narratives of Qualitative PhD Research: Identities, Languages and Cultures in Transition (2022)
- Research Ethics in Second Language Education: Universal Principles, Local Practices (2020)
Currently working on a new volume with Routledge: Authenticity and Autonomy in Language Education
Qualifications
- PhD in Applied Linguistics - University of Waikato, Hamilton, NZ
- MA in English Language and Literature - Shandong University, Jinan, China
- BA in English Education - Ludong University, Yantai, China
- Graduate Diploma in TESOL with Merit - Wintec, Hamilton, NZ
- Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching - Wintec, Hamilton, NZ
- Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education - Wintec, Hamilton, NZ
Areas of expertise
Industry experience, affiliations, and achievements
Research activity
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What do you enjoy about teaching/your job?
I enjoy the quality of life in the classroom—talking, laughing, writing, and learning with students about real-life stories, both within and beyond the classroom. It’s deeply rewarding to see learners thrive meaningfully while fulfilling programme requirements successfully.
I love the connections that thread through my work: between authentic language bits and wider language systems, between theories and practices, and among diverse people—ākonga and kaimahi from varied backgrounds. Working across roles as a teacher, researcher, and collaborator allows me to grow expertise in a field that brings me joy: authentic living and learning.
I love the connections that thread through my work: between authentic language bits and wider language systems, between theories and practices, and among diverse people—ākonga and kaimahi from varied backgrounds. Working across roles as a teacher, researcher, and collaborator allows me to grow expertise in a field that brings me joy: authentic living and learning.
What do you love about your area?
I love how language education invites us into real, relational, and reflective spaces. It’s a field where theory meets lived experience, and where language becomes a bridge—connecting learners to themselves, each other, and the world.
I’m passionate about cultivating autonomy, authenticity, and intercultural understanding, and I value the opportunity to contribute through teaching, research, and community engagement. The dynamic interplay between language, identity, and learning continues to inspire me.
I’m passionate about cultivating autonomy, authenticity, and intercultural understanding, and I value the opportunity to contribute through teaching, research, and community engagement. The dynamic interplay between language, identity, and learning continues to inspire me.
