Assistant Professor
High Point University
This month, we’d like to introduce Dr. Allie Blosser an Assistant Professor at High Point University. Dr. Blosser works in the Stuart School of Education.
How did you initially get interested/involved in the field of religion and education?
I used to teach high school at faith-based schools before I went back to pursue a Ph.D. Many of my scholarly interests emerged from my professional experiences in such settings.
What are you working on right now?
I am writing about the spiritual and emotional labor of conducting ethnographic research with religious communities. I am also about to begin another ethnographic study in partnership with a Quaker K-8 school.
What is something that people might be surprised to know about you?
I wasn’t raised in any particular faith tradition, nor did I attend church growing up. Yet, I ended up teaching in and researching faith-based schools. Another fun fact: I love to fly fish!
What are you reading (for research/teaching and pleasure) right now?
I am currently reading all about Quaker pedagogy for my upcoming research in a Quaker school. But I am also really enjoying reading Renee Watson’s YA novels like This Side of Home and Piecing Me Together. I recently assigned Piecing Me Together in my Culturally Responsive Pedagogy course for pre-service teachers.
What is your most recent professional accomplishment?
My most recent professional accomplishment is that I was awarded the Spirit of High Point University award this past fall, which is awarded annually to one faculty member who “leads by example and encourages colleagues and students to have a deeper understanding and expression of his or her faith.” It was a total surprise and incredibly humbling. What is cool, especially as it relates to this Collaborative, is that when our VP of Academic Affairs described why I was receiving the award, she acknowledged the importance of religion and education research! What we do matters!!
How long have you been a member of the Religion & Education Collaborative?
About a year.
Are you interested in research collaboration? If so, in which topical areas?
Yes! I am open to collaboration around a variety of topics. I research diversity, equity, and inclusion in faith-based schools, culturally responsive teaching, as well as teacher religious identity.
Would you feel comfortable if REC members contacted you about your research?
Please do! Email: ablosser@highpoint.edu
