The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast 257: Bringing Joy into Our Schools: A Conversation with Gholdy Muhammad
Aug 18, 2025
Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, an Endowed Professor of Literacy and author of 'Cultivating Genius' and 'Unearthing Joy', emphasizes the vital role of joy in education. She discusses practical strategies for infusing joy into classrooms, especially in challenging times. Gholdy connects joy to justice and argues it’s essential for both students and teachers’ survival. The conversation delves into culturally responsive literacy and a curriculum designed to foster creativity and community, promoting a transformative educational experience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
From Classroom Teacher To Curriculum Author
- Dr. Muhammad described her 22-year education career from teacher to professor and curriculum writer.
- Her background shaped the five pursuits and motivated her K–5 Genius and Joy curriculum work.
Joy As An Essential Educational Pursuit
- Joy is a fifth essential pursuit that completes identity, skills, intellect, and criticality.
- Joy represents peace, belonging, safety, wonder, and collective self-determination, not merely fun.
Joy Is The Goal Of Justice
- Joy is linked to justice: you cannot reach joy without pursuing justice first.
- Ancestors viewed joy as the ultimate goal after struggle, not a frivolous add-on.
