🎙️ Podcast Episode: Dave Burgess on Passion, Creativity & Earned Wisdom
Explore an inspiring podcast episode with Dave Burgess, author of Teach Like a PIRATE. Discover practical tips for student engagement, teaching with passion, and must-read PD books for educators.
I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Dave Burgess—educator, speaker, and author of Teach Like a PIRATE—for a conversation that left me inspired, energized, and reminded why we do this work.
Dave brings unmatched passion to everything he touches—whether it’s the classroom, the stage, or the pages of a book. In this episode, we talk about how creativity fuels student engagement, why your outside interests matter, and how we as educators can build lasting communities that support and sustain us.
He also shares some earned wisdom from his years in education—lessons on how to communicate with parents, how to bring your full self into your teaching, and how to keep the fire alive even in year 17 (or 26, in my case!).
🎧 Listen to the podcast
đź“ş Watch the full video conversation
đź“š Books Dave Recommends:
Looking for fresh professional development reads that go beyond the usual? Here are some of the standout books Dave mentioned—each one packed with perspective, heart, and a bit of a creative twist:
- AI Optimism by Becky Keene
A hopeful and practical guide to using AI in the classroom. - I Really Need You to Hear This by Kim Bearden
Poetry from the voices of students—powerful, personal, and unforgettable. - Teaching Is a Tattoo by Mike Johnston
What would your teaching philosophy look like inked on your skin? A bold reflection on identity, commitment, and classroom authenticity. - The Pepper Effect by Sean Gaillard
A Beatles-inspired blueprint for reimagining school culture and leadership.
Each of these titles reflects Dave’s commitment to amplifying practitioner voices—real educators with real stories making a real difference.
đź’ Why This Conversation Matters
As Dave said during our chat, “Teaching is a job where you're never done... but your outside passions can come back and inform your classroom in powerful ways.”
Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned veteran, this episode is a reminder: you don’t have to do it alone. Community, creativity, and staying connected to what lights you up—that’s the secret sauce.
If you’re looking for a spark, I hope this episode delivers.
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💬 What’s your earned wisdom?
📨 Share this with an educator who needs some encouragement today.
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