TWJN Spreads the Joy

Nine months ago, Watson College faculty members Denise Ousley and Robert Smith joined with seven local high school teachers to launch the Teaching with Joy Network (TWJN). The group’s goal is to explore what it means to teach with joy—and to connect, challenge and inspire one another to bring that joy into classrooms.

This fall, TWJN members have been sharing their message through a series of events, including Welcome Back presentations for staff at Laney, New Hanover and Ashley high schools, professional development sessions for several hundred teachers and school leaders, and a “Spark of Joy Meet-up” that brought 70 educators together to celebrate the start of the school year.

“The responses we’ve received have been incredible,” Dr. Ousley said. “Our message of hope and purpose is resonating with so many teachers. Joy is not trivial — it’s intentional. No moment of joy, however small, is ever wasted. It strengthens our readiness for joy, which brings a deep sense of connection, fulfillment and resilience.”

In May, Ousley began a three-year appointment as the Watson College’s Murphy Distinguished Scholar, with a focus on growing Teaching with Joy. Her vision includes engaging teachers and education leaders at every level through research, mentorship and professional collaboration.

The network’s founding members—Jeremy Buie, Jessica Harvey ’12M, Sydney Hoover ’24, Kylee Maarschalk, Hannah Moon ’08M, Matt Taylor ’24M and Nicole Turner ’24M—meet regularly. Each gathering begins with the question, “What’s bringing you joy?” before shifting to discussions about policies, teaching practices and student interactions that cultivate joy.

In September, the group reflected on the recent cell phone ban in schools, agreeing it has had a positive impact. “It has been spectacular,” one member said. “Students’ attention is wonderful. I feel like I have my students back.”

The group is also exploring how joy impacts learning and engagement. Anecdotal feedback so far has been powerful:

• “Joy in the classroom engages students and builds trust.”
• “It creates a safe, welcoming space where they feel seen and inspired.”
• “Students look forward to class—and even say a subject they once disliked has become their favorite because joy made the experience fun and meaningful.”

A formal research study is being planned to measure the impact of joy on teaching and learning. TWJN members also recently launched a Leading with Joy group to support school principals in creating positive climates in their schools.

“At the most basic level, TWJN is about building connections, sharing best practices and spreading ‘Teacher Joy,’” Ousley said. “Some members are interested in serious research and publications. Others just want a way to connect with fellow teachers once a month or so. That’s ok—The Teaching with Joy Network is a big umbrella, and there’s room for everyone.”

Although he retired in June, Dr. Smith remains deeply committed to the work.

“It’s wonderful to see the impact that joy is having,” he said. “In my 34 years in education, I’ve never seen an initiative resonate so deeply with so many teachers. Joy is a catalyst—it strengthens connections and reaffirms the deeply fulfilling nature of a career in education.”

The next “Spark of Joy” teacher meet-up will be held at Wilmington Brewing Company on Friday, October 17th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Educators PK-20 interested in bringing more joy into their classrooms and their lives are invited to attend.

For more information, contact Dr. Denise Ousley at ousleyd@uncw.edu or Dr. Robert Smith at smithrw@uncw.edu.