Teaching with Joy
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Welcome to the Teaching with Joy Network!
What began as a small, grassroots group of educators has grown into a dynamic community focused on reimagining teaching through the intentional practice of joy.

“No moment of joy, however small, is ever wasted. Even small moments of joy build connection, resilience and fulfillment.”
About
Teaching with Joy is grounded in the belief that joy is purposeful. Our framework helps educators reflect on who they are, how they connect and how they teach — supporting engaging, welcoming classrooms while reigniting a sense of purpose and impact. By prioritizing joy and supportive practices, we aim to strengthen relationships, reduce chronic absenteeism and help educators and students thrive.
Today, the network continues to grow through initiatives such as Leading with Joy and research exploring how intentional joy affects teacher retention and student learning and engagement. We invite you to join us in shaping a future where teaching is joyful, meaningful and deeply rewarding, and every classroom is a place where compassion, collaboration, creativity — and students — thrive.
UNCW: Joy of Teaching Network
Founding Members
The founding members bring together university faculty, experienced teachers and beginning teachers united by a passion for the teaching profession and a shared commitment to supporting students and one another.
- Denise Ousley-Exum: Associate Professor of Secondary Education and Murphy Distinguished Scholar, UNCW Watson College of Education
- Robert Smith: Professor Emeritus, UNCW Watson College of Education
- Jeremy Buie: High school biology teacher, New Hanover County
- Jessica Harvey ’12M: Beginning Teacher Coach, Pender County Schools; former high school social studies teacher and New Hanover County Schools’ 2025–26 High School Educator of the Year
- Sydney Hoover ’24M: Second-year high school English teacher, Brunswick County
- Kylee Maarschalk: High school English teacher, New Hanover County
- Hannah Moon ’08M: High school English teacher and North Carolina’s 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Southeast Region Teacher of the Year
- Matt Taylor ’24M: Second-year social studies teacher, Virginia
- Nicole Turner ’24M: Second-year social studies teacher, New Hanover County
In The News
EdNC Articles – January 2026
- EdNC, January 5, Perspective | What if we valued joy in schools?
- EdNC, January 5,Perspective | Enjoy the journey: Finding joy in school leadership
- EdNC, January 7, Perspective | The pedagogy of joy: How love and psychological safety transform learning
News and Publications – May 2025
- WHQR, May 12, UNCW creates a 'Joy of Teaching' Network
- EdNC, May 4, Perspective | Creating the Teaching with Joy Network
- EdNC, May 5, Perspective | From labels to luminaries: The transformative power of joy in education
- EdNC, May 6, Perspective | Joy as resistance: A teacher’s perspective
- EdNC, May 7, Perspective | Embracing vulnerability: A first-year teacher’s guide to teaching with joy
Chronicle Stories
- February 2026: Leading With Joy
- September 2025: TWJN Spreads the Joy
- May 2025: Denise Ousley-Exum Named WCE's Murphy Distinguished Scholar
- April 2025: Teach With Joy
- December 2024: Teachers Create Joy in Teaching Network