Meet Our Team
Amine Mechaal is the Executive Director of Global Engagement at Teachers College, where he shapes the College's international strategy and leads its global partnerships to enhance educational offerings. With over 13 years of experience in international education, Amine has developed and led transformative cultural exchange, study abroad, and scholarly mobility programs that connect global communities and foster cross-cultural collaboration.
A proven leader in strategic planning, team management, and high-impact initiatives, Amine has successfully secured funding, written and co-written grant proposals, and built strong partnerships with governments, donors, and international organizations. His work focuses on advancing global educational opportunities and strengthening international collaborations that leave a lasting impact on the field.
In addition to his role at Teachers College, Amine has served as adjunct faculty at several U.S. institutions, including CUNY, Syracuse University, and IES Abroad. Prior to joining TC, he was the Customized and Faculty-led Program Manager at IES, where he developed over 120 programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America for 65 U.S. universities. He also served as Assistant Director for Academics and Customized Programming at IES Abroad Rabat, where he oversaw academic governance, led strategic planning, and managed faculty-led programs.
Amine Mechaal is the Executive Director of Global Engagement at Teachers College, where he shapes the College's international strategy and leads its global partnerships to enhance educational offerings. With over 13 years of experience in international education, Amine has developed and led transformative cultural exchange, study abroad, and scholarly mobility programs that connect global communities and foster cross-cultural collaboration.
A proven leader in strategic planning, team management, and high-impact initiatives, Amine has successfully secured funding, written and co-written grant proposals, and built strong partnerships with governments, donors, and international organizations. His work focuses on advancing global educational opportunities and strengthening international collaborations that leave a lasting impact on the field.
In addition to his role at Teachers College, Amine has served as adjunct faculty at several U.S. institutions, including CUNY, Syracuse University, and IES Abroad. Prior to joining TC, he was the Customized and Faculty-led Program Manager at IES, where he developed over 120 programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America for 65 U.S. universities. He also served as Assistant Director for Academics and Customized Programming at IES Abroad Rabat, where he oversaw academic governance, led strategic planning, and managed faculty-led programs.
Connor is a doctoral student in mathematics & education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he focuses on statistics, computational thinking, and mathematical thinking. Before beginning his doctoral studies, Connor earned his master’s degree in applied mathematics and statistics at Hunter College, where he also serves as an adjunct lecturer. He later pursued an Ed.M. degree in Economics and Education at Teachers College, specializing in econometrics and causal analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Bucknell University.
A recipient of the Presidential Cup and the Youth Employment Innovation Fellowship at International House New York, Connor is passionate about exploring the relationship between mathematical thinking and computational thinking, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence.
He currently also teaches at NYU’s School of Professional Studies and serves as the 2025–26 Student Senate President at Teachers College. He strives to advance Teachers College’s international legacy and create new opportunities for global collaboration.
In his free time, Connor sails with the Columbia Sailing Team, enjoys comedy television shows, and practices martial arts.
Connor is a doctoral student in mathematics & education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he focuses on statistics, computational thinking, and mathematical thinking. Before beginning his doctoral studies, Connor earned his master’s degree in applied mathematics and statistics at Hunter College, where he also serves as an adjunct lecturer. He later pursued an Ed.M. degree in Economics and Education at Teachers College, specializing in econometrics and causal analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Bucknell University.
A recipient of the Presidential Cup and the Youth Employment Innovation Fellowship at International House New York, Connor is passionate about exploring the relationship between mathematical thinking and computational thinking, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence.
He currently also teaches at NYU’s School of Professional Studies and serves as the 2025–26 Student Senate President at Teachers College. He strives to advance Teachers College’s international legacy and create new opportunities for global collaboration.
In his free time, Connor sails with the Columbia Sailing Team, enjoys comedy television shows, and practices martial arts.
Allison Payne is the International Programs Coordinator in the Office of Global Engagement at Teachers College. She brings over a decade of experience working in international education both in the U.S. and in China as a language instructor, academic coach, and, most recently, international student advisor.
At OGE, Allison manages TC’s study abroad programs, including the Fulbright U.S. Student Fellowship, and oversees office operations. Having studied abroad herself, Allison recognizes both the opportunities and challenges that come with living and learning in a new country. She is committed to supporting students as they navigate new experiences and embark on journeys of their own.
Allison holds a B.A. in English from Mount Holyoke College and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from Teachers College. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, reading, swimming, and learning languages.
Allison Payne is the International Programs Coordinator in the Office of Global Engagement at Teachers College. She brings over a decade of experience working in international education both in the U.S. and in China as a language instructor, academic coach, and, most recently, international student advisor.
At OGE, Allison manages TC’s study abroad programs, including the Fulbright U.S. Student Fellowship, and oversees office operations. Having studied abroad herself, Allison recognizes both the opportunities and challenges that come with living and learning in a new country. She is committed to supporting students as they navigate new experiences and embark on journeys of their own.
Allison holds a B.A. in English from Mount Holyoke College and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from Teachers College. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, reading, swimming, and learning languages.