Books published by Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc.

In Illuminate, author, educator, and technology trainer Bethany Petty explains how to use technology to improve your students' learning experiences.This book is packed full of powerful ideas you can use in your classroom tomorrow!Broken into 10 easy to digest chapters - take a journey through technology integration and be inspired to use technology in really meaningful ways in your classroom.You'll discover . . . Engaging ways to incorporate technology in any classroom Tips for using apps and QR codes to improve communication with parents Strategies to empower students (and you) to reflect on and share learning Practical ideas for increasing collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.Bethany shares specific how-tos for using a wide variety of apps and tools. She also explains the why behind using technology, and shows you how to use it to meet your students' needs and make learning memorable.After all, it's not about the technology; it's how you use it! It's time to illuminate learning and use technology to enhance your students' experience.

It's time for a checkup. In the same way that a new pair of glasses can bring your world into focus, personal reflection brings clarity and provides direction. And both are essential to be effective in the classroom. In Educational Eye Exam, Alicia Ray uses a trip to the optometrist as a model for the journey to gaining clarity in your personal educational philosophy. This "I" exam will help you clarify . . . How your past affects your present What needs to change in your teaching practice Where to find help and support How your educational philosophy impacts your students If you're ready for a new perspective, don't wait! Open this book and start your Educational Eye Exam today. "Alicia's words will inspire you to bring your best to work every day!"-Jimmy Casas, educator, author, speaker, and leadership coach "This book is a gift to educators and will translate into meaningful and important changes in our practices."-Allyson Apsey, elementary principal and author of Through the Lens of Serendipity "Packed with practical advice, thought-provoking questions, and a realness that is palpable from page one, Educational Eye Exam will keep you turning pages and keep your thoughts churning about education and life."-Andrew Sharos, author, educator, and consultant "Educational Eye Exam is a must-read and will be for years to come!"-Adam Welcome, author, speaker, and educator "Educational Eye Exam is a wonderfully penned metaphor that paints a clear picture and provides attainable strategies for refining our vision of education-no matter your role. Alicia's book will leave you focused to make a difference in your educational setting!"-Tara Martin, educator, keynote speaker, and author

Your Guidebook to Creating Lessons That Engage and Inspire Learners In the first book in the EduProtocols Series, Marlena Hebern and Jon Corippo introduced flexible lesson frames to equip teachers to break free from the lesson-and-worksheet cycle. In The EduProtocol Field Guide: Book 2, the authors are back with twelve new lesson frames for even more engagement. Along with their personal experiences with the protocols, Hebern and Corippo share the wisdom and insights of other educators who are using and adapting these powerful tools for their learners. What's New?In addition to including twelve new EduProtocols and nine teacher-reimagined iterations on lesson frames from the first book, The EduProtocol Field Guide: Book 2 takes a deeper dive into the research-supported learning theories behind the protocols. The authors also demonstrate how EduProtocols support a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) environment. You'll also find tips throughout the book for edtech integration and for adapting lessons for English Language Learners. The EduProtocol Field Guide series is your manual for designing personalized learning opportunities in less time. "What teacher doesn't want to save time and teach better? In The EduProtocol Field Guide: Book 2, Marlena Hebern and Jon Corippo provide even more low-prep, high-return activities you can use tomorrow." -Mat Miller, author of Ditch That Textbook "I strongly recommend EduProtocols become part of your district's arsenal to support twenty-first-century student learning"-Michael R. McCormick, superintendent, Val Verde USD"Marlena and Jon have done an amazing job compiling protocols that help teachers remove learning barriers and differentiate for all learners." -Meghan Cannon-Johann, teacher"These guides are definitely a must-have for teachers who want to burn their bloated teacher guides, want their lives back from hours of meaningless grading, and realize the need to move beyond unfocused classroom technology convenience tools." -Derrall Garrison, instructional coach

The Power to Save a LifeJacob Chastain grew up in an environment filled with drugs and violence. Inside the home that should have felt safe, fear and anxiety were the desperate norm. Stability and security eluded him as he was shuffled between family and friends that would take him in. But at school, things were different. There, day after day, year after year, Chastain’s teachers saved him.Teach Me, Teacher is the true story of a childhood marked by heartache—a story that may be similar to that of the children sitting in your classroom. It’s the story that shaped Jacob Chastain into the educator he is today. Lessons learned from his experiences as a child and as a growing educator offer reflections on the trials and triumphs facing teachers and students everywhere. From these lessons, we learn that one’s darkest moments can ultimately lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life when someone cares enough to step in and make a difference. Written in celebration of teachers and the power of education, Teach Me, Teacher affirms that you have the power to save a life. “Jacob Chastain pours his heart out on the pages of Teach Me, Teacher by sharing his personal journey through childhood trauma. His message that “action is the antidote to suffering” is a powerful reminder to us all to do more, be more, understand more, and care more for our students.” —Kim Bearden, co-founder and executive director, The Ron Clark Academy, author of Talk to Me“Teach Me, Teacher is one of the most courageous, heartbreaking, hopeful books I’ve ever read.” —Regie Routman, author of Literacy Essentials“Jacob Chastain’s raw honesty is something that we need more of in the education world.” —Halee Sikorski, A Latte Learning“Teach Me, Teacher is both an uplifting memoir and a message to all of us in education of the power we have to build relationships and make a difference for all of our students.” —Dr. Sue Szachowicz, senior fellow, Successful Practices Network“Jacob Chastain takes us on a transformational journey where past and present converge into possibility. His story of resilience and hope is a celebration of the impact each of us can have when professional purpose leads the way.” —Dr. Mary Howard, author of Good to Great Teaching

Regardless of race, religion, gender, social status, or ability, every human desires connection, respect, and love. Polansky encourages readers all to embrace and celebrate the differences that make each person unique.

Get a Vocabulary Upgrade with Word ShiftDoes it feel as if students, colleagues, or administrators are making your school year difficult? Do negative thoughts cloud your day? Maybe it’s time to shift your thinking.   The language we’ve been exposed to and the words we use when we talk about others (and ourselves) all have an impact on the way we view the world and the people in it. More importantly, as educators, what we say shapes the way our learners think about themselves and their place in the world. If you want less negativity and more positivity in your life, classroom, and school, start by changing the words you use each day. Make your language match what you really want to believe and what you really want to happen. With Word Shift by Joy Kirr, you’ll never be at a loss for just the right positive word.Words matter. Choose yours wisely.  “Joy Kirr's book, Word Shift, is an important book for all educators because it draws attention to both the potential harm and benefit of labels, especially when we apply them to students.”—Jimmy Casas, educator, author, speaker, leadership coach “I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to participate in the ensuing conversations that it will, no doubt, spark within our community.”—Sarah Thomas, PhD, founder, EduMatch “Word Shift is just what every educator and parent needs on their bookshelves to pull out when wondering what and how to say something with their children.”—Barbara Bray, creative learning strategist, author

Do you have what it takes to survive the classroom apocalypse? The modern educational system is in a state of crisis, plagued by a virus characterized by excessive standardized testing, antiquated approaches to education, and expectations that value compliance and accountability over innovation and student engagement. Classroom teachers are at the battlefront, fighting hard to save their students from an educational world on the brink of disaster.In Teachingland, authors and educators Amanda Fox and Mary Ellen Weeks outline the rules for survival, including the mindset, remedy, and planning guide you need to weather the classroom apocalypse. Taking a cue from pop culture, the authors offer an engaging, humorous, and courageous look at the gruesome reality of education. They identify the threats and offer a plan of action to help educators overcome the odds. From this guide, you'll learn . . . The 13 rules for surviving the classroom apocalypse What (and who) the real threats are How to find the support and information you need How to prepare for the challenges you'll face What you can do to resurrect real learning in your schoolNo educator is immune, but with TeachingLand as your guide, you can survive the classroom apocalypse! "Whether you're an educator in the traditional classroom or an instructor in corporate training, you and your students will benefit from the unconventional strategies and tactics this book offers to navigate the darkness of antiquated educational practices and emerge into the light of an improved pedagogy."-Mat Chacon, CEO, Doghead Simulations"We are too serious about education. But it's a serious business-literally saving lives. What Amanda Fox and Mary Ellen Weeks have done with the pure fun of applying the zombie genre to education is nothing short of brilliance."-Jon Corippo, executive director of CUE and author of The EduProtocol Field Guide "A unique approach to professional development that stands out from every other teaching book I've read. Essential reading for educators striving to ensure their learning environment doesn't end up resembling a zombie movie!"-Steve Bambury, head of digital learning and innovation, JESS Dubai"For every teacher who has ever felt like they were constantly battling the 'sitting dead' in their classroom, this is your survival manual! From practical ways to supercharge your classroom management to creating a culture of empowerment for your students, this book will challenge you, stretch you, and make you laugh out loud while doing it!"-Steve Dembo, consultant, speaker, and author of Untangling the Web

Here's to Helping Girls Find Their Real Power! Girl Power! It's a popular marketing message that shows up on pink T-shirts across the nation. But sparkly words are not enough to get girls to realize their innate value and reach for their true potential. In Empower Our Girls, educators Lynmara Colón and Adam Welcome collaborate with a strong cast of contributors to shine a light on simple, meaningful changes that need to take place in schools and society at large to help girls achieve more.The words used to describe girls and define traditional roles can set unintentional limits for girls. It's time for a change! It's time for girls to hear the truth: Tears are not a sign of weakness.Being bold enough to ask for what you want doesn't make you "bossy."Glass ceilings are meant to be shattered. We must empower our girls to chase their dreams. Their future-and ours-depends on it! "Our girls are filled with so much worth and potential, and it is our moral imperative to help them find and share it." -Ramona Dunn, principal"This is a must-read for those in school leadership who wish to truly 'empower' our girls." -Rodney Kay, superintendent"As a mother and an elementary principal, I'm looking forward to using this book for inspiration as I raise my own daughter." -Lindsy Stumpenhorst, principal"The book is filled with calls to action, some simple and some seemingly impossible, and all meant to empower girls to embrace their own bodies and minds and make the world their own." -Karen Richardson, VSTE president, professor

Are Your Dreams Big Enough? Dreams can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary! In TeamMakers, experienced educators Laura Robb and Evan Robb invite you to reimagine what education could be and then collaborate to create something amazing. TeamMakers invites all members of the school system to dream, share stories, and generate ideas that inspire positive change. By providing a roadmap for effective dreaming and planning, this book reveals that there is no limit to what schools can achieve on behalf of students. You can be a catalyst for change. "Laura and Evan show us how to break free of excuses that obstruct our view so that we can bravely envision the possibilities awaiting us at the edge of uncertainty. . . .TeamMakers is an invitational how-to for translating professional dreams into transformational actions."-Dr. Mary Howard, author of Good to Great Teaching "Laura and Evan invite us to risk imagining what could be, to envision and work together to build strong and honest relationships with our students and our colleagues that enable us to pull our feet from the muck of tradition and march forward toward our professional vision."-Lester Laminack, coauthor of Reading to Make a Difference "I urge you to read this book. It caused me to fall in love with teaching all over again. And I know it will do the same for you."-S. Travis Crowder, coauthor of Sparks in the Dark "Laura and Evan have created a wonderful blueprint for creating relevant, dynamic learning with today's students in mind. Our schools can be places of greater meaning, purpose, and hope."-David Guerin, author of Future Driven

22 Teachers, 22 Learners.In Steve Wyborneys classroom, everyone is a teacher and a learner. That may be true in your classroom as well, but do your students know you are ready to learn right alongside them? Its a simple idea, but one that when publicly shared on his classrooms wall significantly influenced the way Steve approached teaching - and the willingness of his students to risk expressing novel ideas. In The Writing on the Classroom Wall, Steve explains how posting and discussing Big Ideas can lead to deeper learning. From this book, youll learn why: sharing your ideas will sharpen and refine them. Its okay if some of your ideas fall off the wall. The Big Ideas you share dont have to be profound to make a profound impact on learning. If you look around your classroom, you will see it: a blank space on your wall that is waiting for you to post your deepest, most passionate beliefs about learning. Will you share your Big Ideas?

Maybe you're a teacher looking for an engaging lesson idea. Or maybe, you're a school principal in search of ideas to improve your school culture. Or perhaps you're a superintendent wanting to inform stakeholders of district happenings. Whatever questions you have about education or about how you can be even better at your job, you'll find ideas, resources, and a vibrant network of professionals ready to help you on Twitter. In 140 Twitter Tips for Educators, #Satchat hosts and founders of Evolving Educators, Brad Currie, Billy Krakower, and Scott Rocco offer step-by-step instructions to help you master the basics of Twitter, build an online following, and become a Twitter rock star. From this easy-to-follow guide, you'll learn: How and why to create a personal and classroom or school profile. Whom to follow and how to find the resources you need. How to get noticed on Twitter (And help others!) with your Tweets. What a Twitter chat is and how to join one. How hashtags work - and why you need one for your classroom and/or school. How other educators are using Twitter to learn and teach. And much more! Get connected today and discover how Twitter can help you grow your Professional Learning Network and reinvigorate your career!

The Revolution is not for the faint of heart.No revolution is easy, but with our learners’ futures at risk, the stakes in education have never been higher. To ensure that our learners are prepared to respond to and solve the complex problems they will face in this age of information and innovation, we must make our schools relevant, challenging, and inviting. Education needs a revolution!In The Revolution, Middle School Principals Darren Ellwein and Derek McCoy call out the stagnant practices and irrelevant mindsets that prevent our learners from thriving in the modern world. More importantly, they lead the charge for change by identifying ways that passionate, forward-thinking educators can inspire globally connected cultures of innovation and creativity. Join the movement! Become a revolution@ry educator!  “The Revolution is a compelling call for all of our schools to change—and to do what children need now.”—Barbara Bray, author, speaker, blogger, and host of the Rethinking Learning podcast “The authors write from a place of deep credibility and anchor their aspirational message in very real terms. This book will be a juggernaut in leading school change.”—Brad Gustafson, EdD, award-winning principal, author, and speaker “Darren and Derek provide an honest account of the joys, struggles, moral mandates, and challenges of revolutionizing education to better serve all children.”—Yong Zhao, Foundation Distinguished Professor, University of Kansas, and author of Reach for Greatness “Filled with practical examples and personal anecdotes, this book will push you to reimagine how schools can look for all learners."—Jimmy Casas, educator, author, and speaker

How do you engage learners in the Digital Age?Engaged students are more likely to internalize learning and apply it to situations beyond the classroom. So how can you get your learners to engage? In Block Breaker, educator Brian Aspinall explains that the wildly popular game Minecraft may be just the right tool for the job. Sharing his own and other educators' success with Minecraft (and other programming applications) in the classroom, Brian reveals how these adaptable tools can be leveraged to engage learners and empower them to find success. Why Minecraft? It offers immediate feedback on a personalized learning platform. Inquiry tasks encourage students to collaborate, problem solve, and explore multiple approaches to finding a solution. And it's a fun way to practice critical thinking and spatial reasoning! Complete with lesson ideas and learning strategies, Block Breaker will help you tear down barriers and build powerful connections for learning. "Brian has yet again challenged us to rethink best practices with regards to pedagogy and twenty-first-century learning. This is a great read for all educators!" -Alice Keeler, educator, author, and edtech blogger "If you read Block Breaker, there's a good chance that you'll be stirred to rethink how you see STEM's role in schools. There's a great chance you'll be motivated to strive to be the best teacher possible through Brian Aspinall's deft storytelling skills. But there's a superb chance both will happen." -Matt Miller, blogger, speaker, author of Ditch That Textbook "This book is sure to bring joyful learning and teaching experiences to many students and educators across all subject areas." -Cynthia Gozzard, educator, Minecraft global mentor, edtech enthusiast

When three spoiled princes set out to see what life is like outside the castle, they end up finding new friends and unexpected treasures. In The Princes of Serendip, Allyson Apsey offers a twist on an age-old tale and reveals the true meaning of the word serendipity. Join the three princes as they learn that hard work, love, and living life to its fullest just may be the path to discovering the greatest joys life has to offer. "This delightful story will be appreciated by children as well as the adults in their lives . . . Congratulations to Allyson Apsey for this impressive debut in picture book writing."-Nell K. Duke, professor of literacy, language, and culture, University of Michigan "Allyson Apsey has created a sweet story about three princes and the lessons they learn about kindness, gratitude, and pride-lessons that are so important for every child to hear."-Todd Nesloney, award-winning educator and bestselling author "The Princes of Serendip is a must-read for all learners and ages."-Jessica Cabeen, author of Hacking Early Learning and coauthor of Balance Like a Pirate "My daughters love this book! They loved how the princes learned kindness, love, and gratitude. My oldest daughter said, 'The story made me feel great because the princes were working hard to help people in need. I love how they saw the beauty in others.'" -Karen Festa, wife, mom, and passionate educator

What do nutrition, movement, and mindfulness have to do with education? Everything.As a two-time American Ninja Warrior contestant, educator, and NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer, Jen Burdis pushes herself to physically and mentally overcome obstacles. And she knows that teachers and students have to do the same to succeed every day. In The EduNinja Mindset, Jen shares eleven powerful habits to help educators, learners, and their families live stronger, more vibrant lives. You'll learn how to . . . Set and achieve meaningful goals Develop grit and flexible thinking Live with purpose and stop worrying about being perfect Practice mindfulness and reduce stress Take care of yourself inside and outThe EduNinja Mindset empowers you to become the best version of yourself so you can help others win. "Jen's story is one of success through resiliency, integrity, and fortitude. Educators everywhere can draw inspiration from her example."-Dr. John Skretta, superintendent of Norris School District "An incredible, inspirational book about reaching for personal greatness inside and outside the classroom."-Jon Gordon, author of The Energy Bus and The Carpenter "The EduNinja Mindset epitomizes the journey of Jen: from a small-town girl with a learning disability to a big-time role model with a plan to help others."-Russ Rose, Penn State women's volleyball coach

What is the secret to school leadership? The Secret Solution follows the journey of Roger Rookie, a new principal, in his quest to become a fair and effective leader. Through the ups and downs of his first few years, Roger learns what works and what doesn't when it comes to leading people well. This engaging parable also brings to light many of the real-life characters in schools today-from naysayers and bullies to superstars and newbies-and reveals the best (and worst) ways to work with them. By using a narrative to explore four common leadership styles, the authors provide an effective, non-threatening way to discuss problematic attitudes and approaches with colleagues. This updated edition of The Secret Solution includes a reader's guide that delves into each of the four leadership personality styles to help you identify habits and traits that can help you and your team succeed. Authors and experienced leaders Todd Whitaker, Sam Miller, and Ryan Donlan serve as the guides to help you find your path to leadership success. "The Secret Solution is a great read that perfectly blends What Great Principals Do Differently and an enjoyable fiction novel. This book is a must-read for any aspiring new or veteran principals."-Jessica Johnson, principal/district assessment coordinator, Dodgeland Elementary School, Dodgeland, Wisconsin and coauthor ofThe Coach Approach to School Leadership and Breaking Out of Isolation "Anyone who is venturing down a path of campus management will benefit from the mistakes and lessons learned from The Secret Solution."-Amber Teamann, principal, Whitt Elementary, Wylie, Texas "Whitaker, Miller, and Donlan hit a home run with The Secret Solution. The parables within depict mistakes and lessons learned in a quick and easy, weekend-reading format." -Matt Townsley, director of instruction, Solon Community Schools, Solon, Iowa "With its amusing dialogue and thought-provoking graphics, The Secret Solution is a must-have for anyone entering into or new to the principalship. For veteran administrators, this book offers a valuable reflection on roads traveled, pitfalls to avoid, and practices to cultivate for continued success."-Mike Pinto, principal, James Cole Elementary School, Lafayette, Indiana

Make Your School a MasterpieceCan you imagine starting a school day with the festive, circus-like nature of the Beatles' music? That kind of positivity, says author-educator Sean Gaillard, is the attitude "all schoolhouses must be rooted in, as we are in the collective agency for world-changing work."In The Pepper Effect, Gaillard uses Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles as a template for inspiring the educators and principals to become more positive, innovative, creative, and collaborative-and for encouraging students to do the same. The book explores the four steps necessary for creating the conditions for motivation, collaboration, creativity, and innovation. You'll learn . . . The value of vision-and how to craft one The mindset that builds masterpieces of our schools The power of inclusion The key to ignoring naysayers in favor of creativity and progressExperience the magic of The Pepper Effect in your school! "This is an incredible book from an amazing leader. Whether you are a fan of The Beatles, Beethoven, or Bruno Mars, this book is for you." -Todd Whitaker, professor of educational leadership, University of Missouri "The Pepper Effect reveals the lessons Sean has learned along the way-combined with the artistic synergy of The Beatles-and paints a beautiful picture for how we can apply all of these insights to our own professional practice." -Laura Fleming, author of Worlds of Making "Sean Gaillard's The Pepper Effect takes the magic of The Beatles and transforms it into a thoughtful, practical guide for stimulating collaboration and community. Gaillard sagely draws upon the wisdom of the band's philosophy and creates a user's manual for living the well-lived life-not only in our professional worlds, but in the lives we share with our friends, neighbors, and families." -Kenneth Womack, author of Maximum Volume: The Life of Beatles Producer George Martin

We say, “Student voice matters,” but are we really listening? Student voice. The phrase seems ubiquitous these days. But for all the talk about student voice at conferences and professional development meetings, the adults’ voices are still the only ones being heard in too many schools. Rebecca Coda and Rick Jetter hope to change that with Let Them Speak!  In this powerful and inspiring book, you’ll learn . . .how to find out what your students really think, feel, and need, why it’s so important for students to feel like you care about them,what to do with the feedback you get from students, andhow to use student voice to improve education and school culture.What do your students have to say about grading, homework, bullying, schedules . . . life? Be willing to ask, and then Let Them Speak! “Coda and Jetter have done a fantastic job of showing how our students have valuable opinions that are just waiting to be shared—opinions that could unlock the secrets to even more success in our classrooms and schools.” —Paul Solarz, author of Learn Like a PIRATE “If your goal is to transform your classroom, school, or district and provide a true, student-focused learning experience, you will want to read Let Them Speak! and take action.” —Johnny Key, commissioner, Arkansas Department of Education “The authors convinced me that the path to lasting and meaningful school transformation is to simply let them speak!”—Kimberli Breen, national MTSS consultant, school psychologist,and school improvement trainer #LetStudentsSpeakLetThemSpeak.net

Crack the code for your students’ success! Future-ready students need to be creative. They need to know how to communicate their ideas and how to collaborate as problem solvers. And to master these and other twenty-first-century requirements, they will need to be critical thinkers. In Code Breaker, educator Brian Aspinall shares his insights on how to turn curriculum expectations into skills. Students identify problems, develop solutions, and use coding and computational thinking to apply and demonstrate their learning. From Aspinall’s collection of real-life examples and practical lesson ideas, you’ll discover how to...Use computational thinking and coding across all subjects and grade levelsEncourage students to let their skills and passions shineTeach learners to take risks so they can grow from failure and feedbackMake assessment meaningful—and fun—for you and your studentsYou don’t have to be a “computer geek” to empower your students with these essential skills. Code Breaker equips you to use computational thinking and coding in your classroom—regardless of your computer skill level—to increase creativity, remix assessment, and develop a class of coder ninjas!—— “Brian Aspinall puts a very human face on coding and helps the reader understand it can be implemented for all grade levels in meaningful ways.”—George Couros, author of The Innovator’s Mindset “This book is for everyone who has ever asked, ‘Why should I care about coding?’ By the end of the story of the pooping baby, you will know why!” —Matthew Oldridge, speaker, writer, and mathematics educator “Brian Aspinall makes the case for how all educators can use the concepts of computational thinking to shape their pedagogy and instructional practices to increase student learning.”—Laura Fleming, library media specialist and author of Worlds of Making

Feeling overextended, discouraged, or stressed?No matter where you are in your educational career, chances are you have, at times, felt overwhelmed and overworked. Maybe you feel that way right now. If so, you aren’t alone. But the more important news is that things can get better! You simply need the right map to help you move from frustrated to fulfilled.Unmapped Potential: An Educator’s Guide to Lasting Change can help you find your unique path to becoming the kind of educator—the kind of person—you want to be. You’ll learn…What your mental map is and how it shapes your thoughts and actionsWhy and how changing your thoughts can improve your resultsWhat self-limiting (perhaps, subconscious) beliefs may be preventing you from moving forwardHow you communicate your limiting or empowering beliefs to students and colleagues—without saying a wordHow to create habits that support the kind of life you want to liveSharing personal stories and drawing on mind-set and brain research, principals Julie Hasson and Missy Lennard reveal strategies that will help you create lasting, positive change for you, your colleagues, and your students.