This document summarizes a presentation given at the Annual ATE Conference in Frostburg, Maryland about nurturing the "X-Factor" in pre-service teachers at Frostburg State University. The presentation outlines the conceptual framework of linking heads, hearts, and hands to build passionate teachers and outlines outcomes like being a dedicated professional and instructional leader. It then provides examples of activities used in courses like cultural walks, storytelling projects, and apprenticeship games to provide active and engaged learning. The document emphasizes getting to know students, collaboration, assessment through portfolios, and developing a teaching philosophy as shown through students' teaching dreams and credos.