About Me
Emily Lusenhop, MSW
She/They
Current Employment
University of New Hampshire, Durham & Manchester, NH
Adjunct Instructor, Department of Social Work
Education
2013 Smith College School for Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW), Clinical Social Work
2009 University of New Hampshire
Bachelor of Arts (BA) cum laude, Women and Gender Studies
My Approach & Philosophy
As educators, we are tasked with developing a unique style and philosophy of teaching that evolves to effectively address the diverse needs of our students. Below is a brief introduction to my approaches to social work education, as well as my current professional interests.
My teaching philosophy has evolved to prioritize the creation of an inclusive and productive learning environment. Central to this philosophy is a critical examination of the structures and environments that shape our educational experiences. By acknowledging and addressing structural inequities and systems of oppression, I strive to empower my students to engage deeply with the material and to confront injustices within our learning community. From the outset of each class, I emphasize the importance of creating a space where all voices are valued and where challenging conversations can lead to greater understanding. Through these efforts, I aim to instill in my students not only knowledge, but also the skills and confidence to navigate and challenge inequities both within academia and in our communities.
In addition to prioritizing the creation of inclusive groups and classroom spaces, I enhance student learning by employing diverse teaching methods tailored to individual and group needs. These methods encompass lectures with visual aids, case studies, first-person accounts, and guest speakers. I facilitate learning through small and large group discussions, role plays, and by integrating student process recordings. Self-reflective exercises such as in-class journaling and ‘pair-and-share’ prompts are also integral to my approach. I consistently deliver well-prepared presentations and activities, and I aim to weave theory and best practices throughout the entire course. Moreover, I demonstrate flexibility in adapting my teaching methods to accommodate group dynamics and individual learning needs.
My current interests in social work learning and research encompass the professional development of LGBTQ+ social workers, clinical social work with transgender and genderqueer youth and families, as well as exploring the impacts of racism on social work education, particularly as it relates to program enrollment and internship experiences. I am also interested in participating in new opportunities that focus on the application of anti-oppressive principles in social work education.
In closing, I derive immense satisfaction from mentoring students, imparting the foundational beliefs, values, and theories of the social work profession, and nurturing a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Creating inclusive classrooms where students engage in direct and nuanced discussions is central to my teaching philosophy. I am fueled by a genuine curiosity about the perspectives, values, and learning needs of each student. I am equally excited about future opportunities to contribute as an educator, social worker, and higher education professional.
Professional Goals & Aspirations
What is your goal as an educator?
Throughout my teaching journey, fostering students' development as competent, confident, and curious professionals has been profoundly meaningful to me. My primary goal is for students to cultivate self-awareness of their values and enhance their capacity to make informed, ethical decisions in their professional lives. I aim to instill in my students not only knowledge, but also the skills and confidence to navigate and challenge inequities both within academia and in our communities.
What sets you apart from other teachers?
I am deeply committed to nurturing students' curiosity, encouraging creative problem-solving, and fostering their critical thinking ability. My overarching aim is to support the growth of lifelong learners and empower emerging social work professionals to become future leaders in the profession.
What are some of your professional development goals?
As I continue my own professional development as an educator, I am eager to deepen my understanding of social work pedagogy, to practice new teaching strategies, and to strengthen my application of anti-oppressive practices in the classroom.
I also have an interest in learning more about curriculum development such as adherence to accreditation and professional standards, as well as the incorporation of best practices and current social work theory into each course. Additionally, my current interests in social work learning and research encompass the professional development of LGBTQ+ social workers, clinical social work with transgender and genderqueer youth and families, as well as exploring the impacts of racism on social work education, particularly as it relates to program enrollment and internship experiences.
Emily Lusenhop
My name is Emily Lusenhop (she/they), and I am a passionate explorer of both nature and community. Originally from Ohio, I have spent the last two decades embracing the wonders of New England’s forests, rivers, mountains, and coastline. Now settled in Massachusetts with my family and our recently adopted pitbull puppy Luna, I find joy in everything from hiking local trails to tending my vegetable garden.
I acknowledge that the land on which my family and I love, work, and explore in Massachusetts and New Hampshire sits on N’dakinna, the ancestral and unceded homeland of the Massachusett, Nipmuc, Wampanoag, Abenaki, Pennacook, and Wabanaki People. Indigenous communities have stewarded these lands for thousands of years, and I recognize the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous people while affirming my commitment to learning from their histories.
When not outdoors, I enjoy engaging with my local community through volunteering, social justice activism, visiting markets and eateries, and attending neighborhood events. I also spend my time reading, crafting, and geocaching, as well as taking adventures with friends and chosen family.