If you are like many educators, you know that the best teachers are lifelong learners—curious, humble, and full of wonder. The NICE framework (Nurturing, Integrated, Courageous, Encouraging) reminds us that balance begins with curiosity about who we are and who we are becoming. The WAND framework calls teachers to be Worthy, Worldly, Authentic, and Divinely Directed—to look beyond lesson plans and rediscover the magic within their mission.
When you choose wonder, you invite growth. You return to the spark that brought you to teaching in the first place—not the grades, not the policies, but the people. Wonder keeps you alive inside your profession.
Good news: you can reawaken your sense of wonder with five simple practices.
These steps include:
- Step 1: Ask “What If?” Every Day
- Step 2: Learn Something New Outside of Teaching
- Step 3: Visit Other Classrooms for Inspiration
- Step 4: Let Your Students Teach You
- Step 5: Keep a “Wonder Journal”
Let’s look at each step in more detail…
Step 1: Ask “What If?” Every Day
Many classrooms go on autopilot, especially during busy seasons. Usually, you can avoid that by asking one curiosity question each day that opens possibility. “What if?” turns routine into discovery.
For example: When planning, ask: “What if students taught the concept?” or “What if I started with a story instead of a worksheet?” Choose one tiny shift and observe how the energy changes.
Step 2: Learn Something New Outside of Teaching
When all learning is tied to work, wonder shrinks. Usually, you can avoid that by becoming a student again in a way that delights you. Personal curiosity spills into professional life.
For example: Try pottery, astronomy, a dance class, or a new language app. Then bring one “aha” back to your students: “Here’s what it felt like to be a beginner again—and why that matters.”
Step 3: Visit Other Classrooms for Inspiration
Observation often turns into comparison, which kills joy. Usually, you can avoid that by visiting colleagues with the goal of being inspired, not measuring yourself. Every teacher’s magic looks different.
For example: Ask a colleague if you can observe for 15 minutes and focus on one thing only: transitions, questioning, or classroom culture. Write down two ideas to borrow and one compliment to share with them afterward.
Step 4: Let Your Students Teach You
Wonder becomes contagious when students feel seen. Usually, you can avoid teacher-centered fatigue by creating space for students’ interests and expertise.
For example: Add a weekly “student spotlight” where a learner shares something they love—sports stats, a hobby, a cultural tradition, a science fact. Then connect it to your content. Curiosity builds belonging.
Step 5: Keep a “Wonder Journal”
Stress trains the brain to notice problems. Usually, you can avoid losing the magic by recording one moment of awe each day—small or large. This strengthens your wonder muscle.
For example: Jot one line before you leave: “A student’s question surprised me,” “We laughed together,” “The lesson landed,” “The quiet kid smiled.” On hard weeks, reread your notes to remember what is still alive.
Wonder is not childish. It is powerful. It keeps your heart open, your mind fresh, and your classroom human. When you stay curious, you model a way of living that your students can carry for life.
I hope that you enjoyed reading this blog post, written especially for you. It was taken straight from my mind and heart as I felt vulnerable to share glimpses of my world with you. The article was polished and meticulously reviewed to make sure it was in the best possible light before it was published so that it may serve you well.
If you’re seeking additional resources or personalized support, feel free to reach out at www.insightfuleducation.org. Together, we can cultivate classrooms where you and your students feel empowered to learn and thrive, which is aligned with the NICE Teacher framework (Nurturing, Integrated, Courageous, and Encouraging).