New Video Celebrates the Teaching with Joy Network

The Watson College is pleased to share a new video highlighting the Teaching with Joy Network.

Featuring Watson College faculty and educators who are founding members of the network, the video celebrates the spirit of the initiative: reimagining teaching, learning and leading through the intentional practice of joy. The video was produced by UNCW’s media production team in collaboration with the Watson College of Education.

Teaching with Joy began as a small group of WCE faculty and local high school teachers committed to creating joyful learning experiences and sharing those practices with others. In 2025, the network expanded to include teachers across all grade levels. A companion initiative, Leading with Joy, was also introduced for school leaders seeking to build positive, supportive school cultures.

Over the past year, members have led dozens of presentations and professional development sessions, reaching more than 2,500 educators — from preschool through higher education — with their message of “intentional joy.” Monthly Spark of Joy meet-ups offer local teachers opportunities to connect and share ideas, and new research is underway exploring how intentional joy influences teacher retention, student engagement and attendance.

“The Teaching with Joy Network offers a community where educators can support and uplift one another,” said Denise Ousley-Exum, Watson’s Murphy Distinguished Scholar and a faculty member in WCE’s secondary education program. “Every child deserves a teacher who teaches with joy — someone who sees them, hears them and gives them what they need to thrive. Our goal is to help educators rediscover and sustain that joy in their work.”

Teachers PK–20 interested in bringing more joy into their schools, classrooms and lives are invited to join an open virtual meeting with Teaching with Joy Network founders on April 15 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. or to attend the network’s next Spark of Joy teacher meet-up at Wilmington Brewing Company on Friday, April 17 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. School leaders interested in participating in Leading with Joy are invited to join the next virtual meeting on April 22 from 4–5 p.m.

For more information, visit the Teaching with Joy website or contact Denise Ousley-Exum at ousleyd@uncw.edu.