Joyful Teaching Conference 2026

The Joyful Teaching Conference brings together educators, administrators, and researchers to explore what makes teaching sustainable, meaningful, and — yes — joyful. Through hands-on sessions, keynote talks, and community conversation, we'll share practical strategies for bringing energy and purpose back into the classroom.

Gene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. In 2023, it was made into a television series for Disney+. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. Dragon Hoops, his non-fiction graphic novel about a high school basketball team, was a Printz Honor winner, Eisner Award winner, and Harvey Award winner. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), Superman from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow.

Event Details:
Saturday, October 3, 2026
8:30 am-2:00 pm | 3:00 pm-5:00 pm Public Talk & Book Signing
Fayetteville Public Library Event Center
401 W. Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701