Teaching with Joy
Synopsis
As we navigate ongoing challenges, Teaching with Joy invites us to connect with the fun and meaningful parts of pedagogy. We’ll provide space to pause, explore, create, connect with others – and yes, maybe even have a laugh. You’re warmly invited to our monthly gatherings facilitated by experts across campus and beyond.
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Teaching with Joy is a series of events that provide opportunities to have fun, connect with others, and explore – in other words, that remind us that teaching can be joyful. Our monthly Teaching with Joy events are run by experts across campus and beyond with a focus on different topics related to joyous teaching.
Each month, experts from different parts of the campus and beyond lead a 90-minute gathering to explore a different topic related to teaching that is joyous, energizing, or nourishing. Details will be added below and to our calendar as they are confirmed. Please sign up for the events so we can plan accordingly (and make sure we have enough swag!).
Spring 2026 events:
January 29: From the Stage to the Classroom — Tools for Teaching from the Actor’s Practice, Bill Whitaker, Performing Arts
February 25: Less Intimidation, More Fun — Wielding AI to Create Innovative Learning Experiences, Anna Cunningham, Center for Teaching and Learning
March 24: Dialogic Pedagogy — Nourishing Engagement and Belonging, Jennifer Pacheco, Dialogue Across Difference
Past events:
Fall 2024:
Visual Thinking Strategies: Art for Learning and Well-Being with José Garza, Kemper Museum
Science of Happiness: Joyful Teaching and Learning with Tim Bono, Psychological & Brain Sciences and Student Affairs
Exploring the Art of Improv in Our Teaching Practices with Denise Leonard, Center for Teaching and Learning
The Power of Reflection: Finding Joy in Your Teaching Experience with Eric Fournier, Center for Teaching and Learning
Spring 2025:
A Mindful Approach to Teaching with Joy with Lorien Carter, Brown School
Elevating Creativity in the Classroom with Rob Morgan, Drama
Public-facing Writing, with Students: An Alternative Collaborative Writing Assignment with Christopher Schaberg, Program in Public Scholarship
Tabletop Escape Rooms for Engaged Learning: A Hands-on Workshop with Elina Salminen, Center for Teaching and Learning
Fall 2025:
The Allure of Play: Using Game-Inspired Design to Spark Engagement and Deep Learning with Tori Mondelli, Teaching for Learning Center, University of Missouri
Nourishing Feedback: Reclaiming Student Input with Rick Moore, Center for Teaching and Learning
Crafting Critical Thought: Hands-On Creativity for Classroom Engagement with Matthew Sullivan, Disability Resources
The Power of Reflection: Finding Joy in Your Teaching Practice with Eric Fournier, Center for Teaching and Learning
Who do I contact if I have further questions or if I need more information?
Please contact Elina Salminen, Assistant Director for Educational Development, at elinasalminen@wustl.edu if you have questions or would like further information about the program.