AAARRRG!! Teach Like a Pirate: Introduction

Ahoy, mate!! 

I saw the book, Teach Like a Pirate, all over the place and I knew I wanted to read it.  I mean, the title alone was intriguing! So, I'm joining in on a little book study fun with Gina from Third Grade Tidbits and Jennifer from Rowdy in First Grade.

First off, PIRATE is an acronym for passion, immersion, rapport, ask and analyze, transformation, and enthusiasm- and Dave discusses each one in the book.

But today is all about chapter one. I'm going to backtrack and bit and share what I think is a HUGELY important part from the introduction.

The author, Dave Burgess, describes why he chose to use a pirate as the symbol for his book. By the way, he travels around DRESSED like a pirate, so you know he must be very passionate about this theme! After reading this section, I'm ready to fly my pirate flag, too!!

Dave says:

"Pirates are daring, adventurous, and willing to set forth into uncharted territories with no guarantee of success. They reject the status quo and refuse to conform to any society that stifles creativity and independence.  They are entrepreneurs who take risks and are willing to travel to the ends of the earth for that which they value. Although fiercely independent, they travel with and embrace a diverse crew. If you're willing to live by the code, commit to the voyage, and pull your share of the load, then you're free to set sail. Pirates don't much care about public perception; they proudly fly their flags in defiance. And besides, everybody loves a pirate."

Are you tingling yet?? Are you ready to raise your pirate flag, too? I mean, could there BE a better introduction to a book?! I am ready to hear whatever this guy has to say, and so far (i'm on chapter 2), I have not been let down. Now, please don't think by me posting this quote that I plan on defying my district or school. I will by no means run through the halls proclaiming by independence and plaster an oversized pirate flag on my door (although that would probably be fun, lol). I hope you get the point I'm trying to make.

Teachers have to stand up and do what's right for kids, which may mean going against the flow sometimes. In this crazy world of high-stakes testing, the focus can easily be pulled away from what's important. Educating students is the voyage we are committed to. We have to equip our "ships" with the most dedicated crew- only those who are willing to stay committed to the voyage- the WHOLE voyage, and pull their share of the weight. Teachers have to be creative and think outside of the box to grab and hold students' attention- it's a tough job.

At the end of the introduction, he shares this point:

"We need entrepreneurial innovators who are capable of captaining the educational ship through waters that are rough and constantly changing. In short, we need pirates...we need you."

Dave, I'm with you!

Are you ready to jump on board and get in touch with your inner pirate?? Pick up the book and join in.

Head over and visit Gina from Third Grade Tidbits and Jennifer from Rowdy in First Grade to check out other posts related to this book and then post your own thoughts! I would love to hear what you think!