Book Review: Teach Like a Pirate – by Dave Burgess
Author: Dave Burgess
Length: 192 pages
Intent/Focus: To help teachers become wildly engaging in the classroom and more fulfilled in their profession
What You Will Learn: Innovative ideas that will help you increase student engagement, boost your creativity, and transform your life as an educator.
Why We Recommend It: Finally encapsulated into a book, this motivating how-to guide is based on Dave Burgess’ seminars and Teach Like a PIRATE system, which has proven to beboth popular and successful with educators.
Summary:
“Pirates are daring, adventurous, and willing to set forth into uncharted territories with no guarantee of success. They reject the status quo and refuseto conform to any society that stifles creativity and independence. They are entrepreneurs who take risks and are willing to travel to the ends of theearth for that which they value.” ~ Dave Burgess
In Teach Like a Pirate: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator, Dave Burgess encouragesteachers to stretch themselves beyond their comfort levels and challenges them to create classrooms that are "an amazing... unique place filled withoutrageously engaging content and activities." Written for teachers of all subjects and at all grade levels, this book explains how you can generate a newpassion for teaching and discover new depths of creativity, in order to produce lesson plans that captivate and “hook” your students.
The book provides details on how to:
- Tap into and dramatically increase your passion as a teacher
- Develop outrageously engaging lessons that draw students in like a magnet
- Establish rapport and a sense of camaraderie in your classroom
- Transform your class into a life-changing experience for your students
Described as a “groundbreaking, inspirational manifesto,” the book includes more than 30 “hooks” specially designed to engage students, as well as 170brainstorming questions to boost your creativity level. As Dave says, “Creative genius is something people tend to romanticize, but the reality is not veryromantic at all. Like any skill it takes practice and effort.” The final section of the book is an uplifting guide to overcoming the obstacles andresistance you may face in your role as a passionate educator.
The Reviews
Comments from readers:
“Dave Burgess is an explosion of energy and passion, sharing his complete involvement in his mission as a teacher in such a way that he draws EVERYONE intohis mindset - teachers, education majors, parents, grandparents, and observers and critics of our educational system, flaws and all.”
“The book provides a map for transforming ourselves and our classrooms into a place where we and all our students want to be.”
“Great book for reminding us how important energy and creativity are when it comes to student engagement.”
A few readers noted that while Dave’s own style is highly energetic and theatrical, it might not work for everyone or every classroom. However, most foundthe content to be inspirational, regardless of their teaching style, and found particular value in the “hooks” section.
About the Author
Dave Burgess is a professional development speaker known for his creative, entertaining and energetic workshops and seminars. He is an award-winning U.S.History teacher at West Hills High School in San Diego, California, where he has taught for sixteen years. He specializes in teaching hard-to-reach,hard-to-motivate students with techniques that incorporate showmanship and creativity.
“Much of your success as an educator has to do with your attitude towards teaching and towards kids. The rest of your success is based on your willingnessto relentlessly search for what engages students in the classroom – and then having the guts to do it.” ~ Dave Burgess
Have you read this book? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.