Caleb Elfenbein

Caleb Elfenbein is an Assistant Professor at Grinnell College, specializing in Islamic Studies and Religious Education. His work focuses on pedagogical innovation, ethical frameworks in teaching, and addressing contemporary challenges in religious studies education. He emphasizes critical thinking, scaffolding theoretical concepts, and integrating media/arts into curriculum design.

His research interests intersect gender studies, social justice, and the ethical dimensions of teaching sensitive topics like Islamophobia and religious identity. Elfenbein advocates for adaptive classroom strategies to address real-world events and foster student agency. His blogs highlight practical approaches to teaching complex subjects through humanistic perspectives, emphasizing student-centered learning and curricular rigor.

Notably, he explores how educators can ethically engage with contested issues such as gender, sexuality, and power dynamics within Islamic contexts. He critiques reductive portrayals of Islam and advocates for curricula that reflect historical and cultural diversity.