From Classroom to Wonder: Unlocking Curiosity Through Real-World Encounters

Curiosity as the Spark: How Real-World Encounters Transform Learning

There was a moment early in my teaching career when I found myself standing on a chair, passionately preaching to my students about taking ownership of their education. “Don’t be like a dog trained to sit, stay, and shake for a treat,” I told them. “Your education is yours to own, not a performance for a reward.” My delivery was raw, maybe even too direct, but my heart was in it.

In the midst of my impassioned speech, a well-dressed woman, whom I had never seen before, walked into the classroom. The room fell silent, my students, as surprised as I was. She looked at them, then turned to me and said, “It’s okay, sweaty. I’m your student teacher.” Then, as if she had always been there, she said to the class, “What he’s saying is… you have permission to be honest.”

That woman taught me more about teaching than any college course ever had. She had wealth, power, and mastery in her art. She didn’t need to be there, but she wanted to give back. She saw something in my classroom worth investing in. More importantly, she understood that curiosity is a force—one that, when nurtured, can drive students to a lifetime of exploration and discovery.

The Power of Encountering Masters at Work

Some of the most powerful moments in my teaching came not from textbooks or lesson plans but from introducing my students to masters of their craft.

I brought in Gregory Martens, a shoemaker—a true cobbler, not just a repairman. He came with leather samples, tools, and an array of shoes, each with a story. The students were captivated, asking questions, running their hands over the materials, imagining a world they had never considered.

Then there was Rick Wood, a photojournalist. He told my students about being in New York covering a fashion show sponsored by Ivana Trump on the morning of September 11, 2001. When the planes hit, his editor called: “Get downtown. Something big is happening.” While others were fleeing, he ran toward the chaos, capturing history through his lens. My students sat wide-eyed, absorbing the gravity of real-world journalism. They weren’t just learning about photography; they were learning about courage, about witnessing, about being present in the unfolding of history.

When my daughter left home for the first time and returned for a visit, she reflected on her childhood: “I thought it was normal to have amazing people gather and share their stories… but it’s not like that out there.” That stuck with me. The environment we create—one of curiosity, engagement, and meaningful connection—shapes how we see the world. I told her, “You have it within you to create it for yourself. You know amazing people. Seek them out.”

Creating an Environment That Fosters Curiosity

What I learned from these experiences is that curiosity isn’t just something students either have or don’t have—it’s something that can be nurtured, cultivated, and set ablaze. Here’s how:

Bring the world into the classroom – Whether through guest speakers, virtual connections, or hands-on experiences, exposing students to people who live their passion makes learning real.

Encourage deep questions – The best lessons start with “What if?” or “Why does this matter?” Instead of simply giving answers, create an environment where students seek them out.

Let passion be the guide – When students are drawn to something, whether it’s photography, shoemaking, or storytelling, let them chase it. Guide them toward mastery.

Model lifelong learning – Show students that learning doesn’t stop when school ends. Bring in your own passions, tell them about books you’re reading, projects you’re pursuing, questions you’re wrestling with.


Curiosity is the Beginning of Everything

Curiosity is the fuel that drives learning, creativity, and meaningful work. The best educators don’t just deliver content; they create a hunger for more. They introduce students to the idea that the world is vast, that there is always more to discover, and that they have the power to seek it out.

What kind of experiences shaped your curiosity? Who were the people who inspired you to dig deeper, to learn more, to become something greater? And more importantly—how can you pass that gift forward?

Let’s keep the conversation going. Drop your thoughts in the comments.