Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is rooted in anti-racist and anti-oppressive frameworks, fostering environments that embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. I prioritize flexibility in my methods, encouraging co-creation of knowledge and helping students connect theory to their lived experiences. By cultivating a learning environment that centers diverse cultural perspectives, I aim to challenge traditional pedagogical models, fostering spaces where students feel safe to question dominant narratives and explore new ways of thinking.

Training

  • Lead Teaching Fellowship

    As a Lead Teaching Fellow, I worked as a liason between the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and the School of Social Work to help foster conversations around innovative teaching practices among grad students. I organized workshops in my department and connected peers with valuable CTL resources. It’s been an awesome way to build up my own skills while supporting the teaching community!

  • Teaching Development Program

    I’m participating in the advanced track of the teaching development program at the CTL, where I connect with awesome peers and hone my teaching skills while exploring some great opportunities for support as I continue my work as an instructor and scholar.

Lectures

  • Allen, C. A. (2023). Telehealth "VERZUZ" Radical Telehealing: Reimagining Social Media As Virtual Healing Spaces for Black Communities. Qualitative Analysis (Professor: Dr. Brooke West). School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.

  • Allen, C. A. (2022). Race, Tech, & Mental Health, Human Behavior in the Social Environment (Professor: Dr. Courtney D. Cogburn). School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.

  • Allen, C. A. (2022). Historical Trauma Theory: An Integrative Perspective, Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Trauma and Its Impact (Professor: Dr. Jennifer Hartman). School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.

  • Allen, C. A. (2021). Historical Trauma Theory: An Integrative Perspective, Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Trauma and Its Impact (Professor: Dr. Jennifer Hartman). School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.

  • Allen, C. A. (2017). Direct Practice Experiences in Youth & Family Services, Social Welfare Services for Children and Youth (Professor: Dr. Rushondra J. James). College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.

Service

  • BIPOC Ph.D. Student Interest Group

    As a co-creator of an affinity space for BIPOC Ph.D. students within the School’s BIPOC Ph.D. Student Interest Group, I focused on cultivating a supportive community that promotes both academic and professional growth. This initiative was designed to provide a safe environment for BIPOC students to connect, share experiences, and collaborate. It has been a rewarding experience to help build a network that empowers individuals and enhances their journeys through graduate education.

  • Digital Resource Curator

    As the curator of a digital resource titled Approaches to Anti-Racist Pedagogy for Social Work Education, I developed strategies for fostering racial consciousness and promoting anti-racist teaching practices. I created this resource to support educators in integrating these approaches into their classrooms, offering practical tools to encourage more equitable learning environments. It’s been an amazing opportunity to deepen my own understanding while contributing to the growth of anti-racist pedagogy in social work education.

    Check It Out Here!

  • Ad-Hoc Reviewer

    Brief and Brilliant Sessions, Society for Social Work and Research, Annual Conference

    Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

Former Mentees

  • Co-Supervisor, “Reimagining Emerging Technology” Research Project School of Social Work, Columbia University Students: Ivie Arasomwan & Kiara Vaz, MSW (2023-Present)

  • Co-Supervisor, Integrative Research Project (Thesis) Teacher’s College, Columbia University Students: Zori Hamilton, MA Psychology (2023-2024)

  • Co-Supervisor, Field Education School of Social Work, Columbia University Student: Mawish Raza, MSW Program (2022-2023)

  • Co-Supervisor, “Telehealth “verzuz” Radical Telehealing: Reimagining Digital Social Media as Virtual Healing Spaces for Black Women” Research Project School of Social Work, Columbia University Student: Rae Chang, Ethnicity & Race Studies, Pre-Medical Track (2021-2023)

  • Co-Supervisor, Justice and Pandemics Preparedness Academy Columbia College, Columbia University Student: Rae Chang, Ethnicity & Race Studies, Pre-Medical Track (2021-2022)