The University of North Carolina at Wilmington announced on Mar. 1 the launch of Teaching with Joy, a collaborative initiative developed by the Watson College of Education. The program began after retired professor Robert Smith observed student teacher Matthew Taylor in a high school classroom, where he noticed a unique atmosphere of enthusiasm and engagement among students.
The initiative addresses challenges faced by schools following the COVID-19 pandemic, including chronic absenteeism, declining teacher retention, and concerns about student engagement. Smith said that traditional standards focus on safety but do not emphasize joy or excitement in learning environments.
Smith and fellow educator Denise Ousley-Exum began discussing how joy can impact teaching and learning with UNCW alumni working as teachers across the region. Early conversations between experienced educators and recent graduates formed the foundation for Teaching with Joy. “Joy is intentional. It’s not about being cheerful all the time. It’s about how you show up, how you connect with students and how you design learning, so students feel seen and valued,” said Ousley-Exum.
The group created a framework centered on three elements: who you are, how you connect, and how you teach. This approach aims to foster classrooms where students feel emotionally and academically safe. During classroom visits, one student described feeling “safe to not know” in an environment shaped by this philosophy.
Teaching with Joy has since expanded beyond its original group through monthly gatherings called “Spark of Joy,” which bring together educators from southeastern North Carolina and beyond. Workshops have reached more than 2,000 teachers so far. “Teaching can be incredibly isolating,” said Ousley-Exum. “Community changes that. When teachers feel supported, they can sustain their passion for the work.”
Looking ahead, Smith and Ousley-Exum hope to extend Teaching with Joy to include school leaders, districts, and educator preparation programs throughout North Carolina.
