Why We Teach: Restoring Meaning, Energy, and Joy in the Classroom

Kelly Bremner, Professor of Theatre, Emory & Henry University

Bryan Poole, Professor of Psychology, Lee University

Heather Taylor, Associate Professor of English, Bethany College

Many faculty enter the profession with a deep sense of purpose, curiosity, and joy in teaching. Over time, that joy can be eroded by mounting responsibilities, shifting student needs, institutional pressures, and personal fatigue. This informal brown bag conversation invites faculty to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what originally drew them to the classroom. Together, we will explore factors that contribute to a waning sense of joy in teaching, including workload, emotional labor, changing classroom dynamics, and broader cultural expectations of higher education. More importantly, this session creates space to share practices, both small and structural, that help restore meaning, energy, and satisfaction in our teaching. Through guided prompts and open discussion, participants will exchange strategies for cultivating joy not only for themselves, but also for their students and colleagues. This session is intentionally conversational rather than prescriptive and offers a supportive environment to listen, reflect, and re-imagine teaching as a shared, life-giving practice.

Register to Attend this Session