Jo Albiar

“In all the years I’ve been teaching, through the different educational trends and generations of students and through the many iterations of classrooms and courses, one simple thing has inspired me: a great, vast hope for the future. When people learn to think critically, humanely, and charitably, that education is reflected in their treatment of others. That’s what keeps me learning and teaching.”

Jennifer Hamrick

“What inspires me to teach is the opportunity to shape the next generation of educators who will go on to impact countless lives. With over 18 years of experience as a special education teacher myself, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for children receiving special education services to have teachers who are not only compassionate but also deeply knowledgeable about evidence-based interventions. Every child deserves access to high-quality instruction tailored to their unique needs—and that begins with well-prepared teachers.

In each of my courses, I’m inspired by the dedication of my students, especially when I see them make meaningful connections between theory and practice. Those “ah-ha” moments—when a student realizes how a concept can translate into real-world impact for a student—remind me why my work matters. Teaching is never static; each semester brings new perspectives, new challenges, and new opportunities to grow alongside my students. That is what keeps me engaged, reflective, and always learning.

Ultimately, what inspires me to teach is knowing that by training thoughtful, skilled, and ethical educators, I’m contributing to a larger cycle of change—one that starts in the courses I teach and extends far beyond.”

Justin Hart

"The historian William Appleman Williams often talked about history as a “way of learning.” By that he meant not that we look to the past for answers to apply to the present, but that we study the past to better understand how we got to where we are. I’m inspired to teach history to help my students understand how we got to where we are, so they can envision their own solutions that lead us to a better future."

Allison Kerin

“What inspires me to teach is the opportunity to make a lasting impact on others’ lives. Teaching enables me to share my passion for Nutrition while still allowing me to serve my community by developing competent healthcare professionals.”

Catherine Lammert

"Teaching future teachers is a space of praxis. I love the way my students challenge me to live up to my own ideals. Witnessing the moment when my they step into their own power intellectually, emotionally, and relationally is one of the most inspiring aspects of my work."

Mike Lemon

"Opportunities to learn and grow alongside students inspire me to teach. I may guide students through course content, but they teach me as they share and apply their wealth of knowledge. I often find myself thanking students for helping me learn. We also pause and engage in reflective practices, where we check in on our professional, intellectual, and personal development. We ask ourselves: What are we learning? How does this information help us grow?"

Lisa Limeri

“I am inspired by watching students grow, both in their biology skills and knowledge and also personally. In class, I get to see students rise to new challenges, overcome struggles, and gain lifelong skills in being independent learners and resilient problem-solvers. Being part of this journey with students is a privilege.”

Patricia Maloney

"Education is the science of developing every person's mind and voice so they can best aid society. Those critical thinkers are the foundation of a just and innovative society, and it is my privilege to help shape them."

Bret Mistrot

“I am inspired by having the privilege to interact with students about topics they have no previous exposure to, show them why they care about those topics, and help facilitate their connection with those topics to real-world application. Students relate differently to a single topic, so finding that “one thing” that creates that connection for a single student is the most rewarding feeling I think any teacher can have and inspires me to do it again.”

Bryan Norman

"I often comment that “I am headed off to class to inspire young minds”. While that may sound a bit idyllic, I actually believe it. I am excited to teach my students things that expand their minds and that also help them to be more effective at work and in society as a whole. I like the added benefit that I learn new things in the process!"

Lisa Phillips

“Witnessing students discover their purpose and identity through writing, thinking, and beginning to see complexity where they once saw simplicity inspires me to teach and fills me with hope. Because every class has a unique personality, figuring out what brings about the best learning for a given group of students presents new opportunities each term to learn and grow along with them. Supporting students’ development as ethical thinkers and communicators, especially through problem-based inquiry and collaborative learning across disciplines, means no two days are ever the same. I love that!”

Ashley Rougeaux-Burnes

“I am inspired by the opportunity to support students’ growth—building their confidence, broadening their perspectives, and shaping them into globally minded citizens. Teaching empowers me to prepare students for meaningful careers in the apparel industry. Watching them evolve into innovative professionals who will positively impact both the field and society fuels my passion for education.”

Robert Sherwin

Eric Stoklossa

“What inspires me to teach is the opportunity to foster growth - in skill, confidence, and critical thinking. I am driven by the transformative moments when students connect with their potential, whether through music or broader academic exploration. Teaching allows me to share my passion, challenge assumptions, and help students become expressive, curious, and resilient individuals - both in their fields and in the world beyond the classroom.”

Holly Wright

"I am inspired to teach by my passion for child development and the ways it shapes who we become. Watching students discover new ideas and make meaningful connections is deeply rewarding, especially when they carry that learning beyond the classroom into their own lives and interactions with the world around them. Teaching allows me to share knowledge while also empowering students to think critically, grow personally, and positively influence their communities."

Ellisa Zellinger

“I am inspired by the belief that literature provides a powerful means for students to engage with complex social, historical, and political questions. By encouraging students see literature as not merely an academic exercise but a means of understanding the world, I hope to cultivate their capacity for ethical engagement. I’m motivated by the conviction that learning is transformative when it connects the past to the present, the literary to the lived.”