Rediscovering Joy and Resilience in the Classroom

Teaching is a profession built on passion, but it also demands a lot—writing learning outcomes, mentoring students, balancing institutional changes, and adapting to new challenges. In the midst of it all, faculty often set their own well-being aside, believing there will be time for rest later. But what if caring for yourself wasn’t just a luxury, but a way to sustain the energy and dedication that make your teaching impactful?

The following articles offer different perspectives on self-care, mental health, and finding fulfillment in teaching, reminding us that small shifts can make a big difference:

• The Educator’s Guide to Self-Care in Uncertain Times explores how faculty can set boundaries, build supportive communities, and develop emotional resilience to prevent burnout. It’s not about adding more to your plate, but rather about recognizing what sustains you.
• Recapturing the Fun of Teaching highlights a faculty development program called “Teaching With Joy”, designed to help educators reconnect with what they love about teaching. With casual meet-ups and intentional reflection, the program shifts the focus from surviving the semester to finding moments of joy and fulfillment in the classroom.
• Why Supporting Faculty Mental Health Is Enormous for Classrooms underscores the connection between faculty well-being and student success. With many educators facing heightened stress, mental health support isn’t just beneficial, but also shapes the learning environment. The article emphasizes that when faculty feel supported, students thrive.

None of these articles suggest that faculty need to overhaul their lives or take on yet another responsibility. Instead, they invite us to pause and reflect—to notice the small things that bring joy, to acknowledge when support is needed, and to recognize that caring for yourself is part of what makes great teaching possible.

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, you’re not alone. But you deserve the same kindness and encouragement that you so often offer your students.