Programs

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.

Want to Connect?

Contact me

Elina Salminen, PhD

Assistant Director for Educational Development

elinasalminen@wustl.edu

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.

Logo saying "Teaching with Joy"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!).

Fall 2025 events:

September 19, 10-11:30am: The Allure of Play: Using Game-Inspired Design to Spark Engagement and Deep Learning with Tori Mondelli

October 16, 3-4:30pm: Nourishing Feedback: Reclaiming Student Input with Rick Moore

November 12, 3-4:30pm: Crafting Critical Thought: Hands-On Creativity for Classroom Engagement with Matthew Sullivan

December 8, 2-3:30pm: The Power of Reflection: Finding Joy in Your Teaching Practice with Eric Fournier


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

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.