Passion in Practice : My philosophy around teaching is that it should be student-centered.
Assistant Professor Dr. Alicia Tetteh, who has been a member of the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work faculty for two years, is already making a meaningful impact at Norfolk State University.
Since joining NSU, Tetteh has led numerous programs and seminars, including a study abroad trip to Ghana in 2025. She hosted the Financial Social Work Conference in January and has curated professional development and self-care workshops for departments and organizations. She also served as the keynote speaker for the Sister Circle Women’s March, among many other initiatives.
Currently, Tetteh teaches Human Behavior I and III at the bachelor’s level and Assessment and Diagnosis at the master’s level. “My philosophy around teaching is that it should be student-centered,” she said. “There should be shared power in the classroom, and it should be a brave space for students to learn not just from me, but from one another.” She views the classroom as a subsystem of a larger social structure—one where collaboration and growth are essential.
Beginning in fall 2026, Tetteh will introduce a new elective course, Special Topics in Financial Social Work, further expanding learning opportunities for students.
Before joining NSU, Tetteh spent nearly a decade balancing academia and clinical practice, teaching at Winthrop University and Howard University. Since 2016, she has also led her mental health group, Building Endurance PLLC, which provides outpatient therapy, clinical supervision, and national consulting and training to organizations.
For Tetteh, social work has always been part of her life. “Growing up alongside my grandmother, we would often volunteer in our community and help connect family and friends to services,” she reflected. “Social workers are vital in many aspects of our communities, and I am honored to be one and to help encourage the next generation.”
That belief carries into her approach to life and work. She emphasizes that everyone deserves compassion and opportunity. “No matter our faults or our pasts, we each have the ability to live intentionally and use our privilege to uplift others,” she said.
“I believe we all have the power to change,” Tetteh added. “We all deserve to live as our best selves. I am grounded in my faith and strive to live authentically. Relationships are important to me because I believe humans are wired for connection. My children are my greatest creations and daily teachers in life.”