What keeps educators inspired in today’s complex academic landscape? For Dr. Pamela Felder-Small, the answer lies in joy — a guiding philosophy that shapes how we teach, how students learn, and how meaningful connections are made in the classroom.
Dr. Felder-Small’s proposal, “The Joy of Teaching and Fostering Success in Higher Education,” has been accepted for presentation at the 2026 Innovative Teaching & Learning Conference (ITLC) on March 26. Her session explores how joy can transform teaching and learning, turning classrooms into spaces where both educators and students thrive.
“In the context of higher education today, joy is far more than a fleeting emotion; it is a foundational philosophy and an active practice. It emphasizes the importance of every individual [both educator and learner] identifying what fulfillment looks like for them and intentionally bringing that vibrant energy into our teaching, learning, and professional collaborations.
Joy is not a destination we reach, but a practice that grows through consistent reflection on ourselves and our work. When we pause to examine the “why” behind our teaching practices, we unlock a deeper connection to our purpose. By centering joy, we transform the online classroom from a space of mere information exchange into a site of genuine human connection. This approach recognizes that when we show up with joyful energy, we create a ripple effect that fosters success, resilience, and curiosity. In an increasingly complex academic landscape, choosing joy is a radical act of sustainability. It allows us to honor our individual voices while building a collective environment where both students and faculty can thrive, innovate, and find meaning in the shared pursuit of knowledge.”
Dr. Felder-Small’s session will take place virtually at the 2026 Innovative Teaching & Learning Conference (ITLC):
Date: March 26, 2026
Registration: https://teaching.utk.edu/2026-itlc-conference-registration/ (Free — registration closes March 22)
