Teach Like a PIRATE

Design a lesson that students will remember for the next 25 years. This is a lofty goal, but a goal that one teacher makes for himself every single day.
Dave Burgess is a Social Studies teacher who has published the book Teach Like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator, 
The Mentor teachers were asked to choose a book study topic, so I chose how to engage students at high levels, while incorporating rigor within the lessons. Teach Like a PIRATE was suggested to me, and seemed the perfect fit, as one section is titled  "Crafting Engaging Lessons."

PIRATE is an acronym for how to live and breath teaching in a way that will foster relationships with your students, help you fall in love with your profession all over again, and be ENGAGING. 

One thoughtful question that stood out to me was regarding the set up of the climate and culture the minute the students walk into the room. Burgess says to ask yourself the following.

"What could I write on my board for this lesson that would spark a conversation or create a buzz even before the bell rings?"

By setting up the expectation for yourself, that you are going to spark their attention before the bell rings or the music stops, you are on the road to creating a lesson or conversation, that a student might remember for the next 25 years.

To learn more about how to inspire yourself and your students, check out Teach Like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator, by Dave Burgess. Or you can go to his website: http://daveburgess.com/