The [Un]class is an innovative, institutionalized, curricular community engagement model that serves as a transdisciplinary 'playground' to investigate topics of local relevance and generate meaningful solutions. This session presents results from a mixed-methods study aimed at understanding the effects teaching an [Un]class has on teaching practices, philosophy, and scholarship. Past instructors overwhelmingly described feelings of joy and reconnection from teaching an [Un]class. The relationships forged through community-engaged teaching were sustaining and provided a much-needed sense of renewal and connection. The ability to experiment pedagogically was freeing and rejuvenating. Session participants will be prompted to reflect on how creative, community-engaged pedagogies can be used as a strategy to combat burnout and create purposeful moments of joy that benefit our communities.