Books published by Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc.

Are You Ready to Take the First Step Toward Excellence?What does it take to be the very best teacher—or the very best leader? What sets excellent educators apart from their peers? And how can you join their ranks? In their work leading up to Start. Right. Now. Todd Whitaker, Jeff Zoul, and Jimmy Casas studied educators from across the nation and discovered four key behaviors of excellence:Excellent Leaders and Teachers...Know the WayFrom their content to best practices, these educators know their stuff.Show the WayCasting a bright vision for the future, these educators see possibilities where others see problems.Go the WayLeading by example is a way of life for the very best.and Grow Each DayA focus on personal and professional development helps these educators succeed.Wherever you are on your journey as an educator, choose to become even greater still—our kids are worth it.Start. Right. Now. 

Are you stuck in the lecture-and-worksheet rut? Many teachers continue to struggle to break out of the corporate lesson-and-worksheet cycle to find fresh, meaningful ways to develop original, engaging and effective instruction. In The EduProtocol Field Guide, Jon Corippo and Marlena Hebern outline sixteen classroom-tested protocols to break up clichéd lesson plans, build culture, and deliver content to K-12 students in a supportive, creative environment. Start SmartSmart Start activities set your students up for success by teaching them how to learn, using tools like Frayer Models and Venn Diagrams on fun subjects. In addition to preparing your students to learn, Smart Start activities help build a positive culture in your classroom. Finish StrongEduProtocols are customizable, frames that use your content to create lessons to help students master academic content, think critically, and communicate effectively while creating and working collaboratively. EduProtocols can be used with nearly all subjects and grade levels and are UDL (Universal Design for Learning)-friendly to support all learners. Simplify the process of creating engaging and personalized learning opportunities for every student.The EduProtocol Field Guide shows you how. "Any teacher can use the examples in this book to create more engaging classes in less time, freeing them up to be uniquely themselves and develop relationships with students."-Matt Miller, educator, blogger, speaker, and author of Ditch That Textbook"This book is not simply one you read; it's one that you use, and then use again! The EduProtocol Field Guide is undoubtedly a must-read for teachers of all skill levels looking to amplify the student-learning experience through the effective use of technology."-Thomas C. Murray, director of innovation, Future Ready Schools, Washington, DC"EduProtocols and SMART Start strategies lead teachers to creatively teach with greater time efficiency and fantastic effectiveness for helping students reach mastery."-Steven J. McGriff, Ph.D., founder, DivergentED Consultants #EduProtocolsEduProtocols.com

Lead with ExcellenceJeffrey Zoul and Anthony McConnell know from personal experience that the role of school principal is one of the most challenging and the most rewarding in education. Through their work with educators and school districts across the United States, Zoul and McConnell have identified ten core values that guide the best of the best to work and lead with excellence. The Principled Principal examines each of those ten guiding principles, using stories and real-life examples to make them relevant and applicable for every school leader. You’ll learn . . .What to prioritize and what to eliminate from your to-do listHow to empower your staff and studentsHow to hire the right people for your schoolWhy and how to keep calm in a crisisHow to recognize and avoid “culture crushers”How to create a positive culture for your school communityImplement the strategies and practices in The Principled Principal, and fast-track your way to becoming the leader your school needs.“In The Principled Principal, Jeffrey Zoul and Anthony McConnell provide school leaders the road map for improvement, transformation, and success. This book is a must-read for anyone wanting to positively impact their school.”—Jon Gordon, best-selling author of The Energy Bus “The Principled Principal is the perfect companion for school leaders who are hoping to move practice from out behind a desk and into the heart of their schools.”—Jennie Magiera, author of Courageous Edventures“This is a book that every principal (or those who desire to be) should keep on his/her desk. It is practical, powerful, and driven by common sense thinkers who have done the job and know the work.”—Jason L. Branch, Ph.D., superintendent, Oconee County (GA) Schools“This book will appeal to leaders regardless of their experience level or setting. It will surely serve as a guide for personal reflection and growth for new and veteran principals alike.” —Sanée Bell, Ed.D., principal, Houston, TexasThePrincipledPrincipal.com

What’s Your Story? Education isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. It’s a role that comes with the responsibility to care deeply and to persist despite countless challenges—from state testing to budget cuts to long hours. It’s a way of life that rewards us with milestone moments and fills us with pride for the children and communities we serve.Stories from Webb goes right to the heart of education. Told by award-winning principal Todd Nesloney and his dedicated team of staff and teachers at Webb Elementary, this book will remind you why you became an educator. You’ll be reinvigorated by these relatable stories—and you just may be inspired to tell your own!Share your story! #KidsDeserveIt“The wisdom on these pages is at the same time deeply heartening and uplifting but also practical and instructive. We need more of these stories.”—Nichole Nordeman, Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter and author “Stories from Webb will resonate in your head and heart and help you reclaim, reflect on, and share with colleagues your own stories about teaching and learning with students.”—Laura Robb, teacher, coach, and author of The Reading Intervention Toolkit “Stories connect us. And readers of Stories from Webb will walk away from this book feeling connected to a new family of educators whose message is clear: you’re not alone.” —Jennifer LaGarde, school library media/digital teaching and learning specialist “Stories from Webb is a gorgeous testimony to the power educators have in this important work we do.”—Travis Crowder, National Board Certified Teacher and author

Curiosity changes everything. In 2008, Ramsey Musallam was stuck in what he describes as an ineffective rut of "pseudoteaching." Students liked him, but they didn't get the point of his lessons. They did well enough on the tests, but they failed to really understand the material. He wanted more-for them and for himself. Maybe you can relate. For Ramsey, the journey to a better way of teaching began not in the classroom, but on the operating table where he underwent a new, lifesaving heart surgery. His surgeon's confidence, dedication, and curiosity sparked an idea in Ramsey: What if teachers adopted the qualities his surgeon exhibited and were inquisitive, ready to explore, discover, try, and, yes, even fail? What if students could learn to adopt those traits as well? Those questions launched a quest to inspire inquiry and harness its benefits. Spark Learning, inspired by Ramsey's popular TED Talk "3 Rules to Spark Learning," combines brain science research, proven teaching methods, and his personal story to empower you to improve your students' learning experiences with … Easy-to-implement ideas for sparking curiosity in your students Strategies for encouraging students to embrace the mess of learning Practices for effective reflection that propels future learning-and greater curiosity Technology tips to make it simple to collect and use your own inspiring ideas "This is a call to action for educators everywhere to recognize their own influence and ability to embrace and encourage curiosity. All teacher education programs should have this as required reading!" -Elizabeth Brumbaugh, director of learning, innovation and design, Harker School "Ramsey captures the essence of what it means to pursue excellence in our teaching practice since our students and our communities deserve our best." -Gregory T. Rushton, PhD, associate professor of chemistry, Stony Brook University "You'll find his thoughts intriguing, the examples practical, and the ten bonus strategies wonderful tools for making great things happen in your classroom!" -Rushton Hurley, founder, NextVista.org

How will your students answer when an interviewer asks,"What social media networks are you on, and what will I learn about you if I go there?" Equipping students for their future begins by helping them become digital leaders now. In our networked society, students need to learn how to leverage social media to connect to people, passions, and opportunities to grow and make a difference. When people think of kids and their devices, it is often with dismay. But technology is here to stay, which means we must educate, empower, and inspire our students to use social media to … learn and share learning address societal inequality share their voices be a more positive influence in others' lives Social LEADia addresses the need to shift our conversations at school and at home from digital citizenship to digital leadership. Inside, you'll read about some amazing kids who are leveraging social media in positive and powerful ways. They are passionate and empathetic leaders online and offline, and they model the reality that students don't need to wait for tomorrow to lead-they can be world-changers today. ----- "Casa-Todd does a masterful job addressing the 'Yeah, buts ... ,' while moving the social media conversation from compliance to leadership. Social LEADia is a brilliant read and a needed tool for your educator toolkit."-Thomas C. Murray, director of innovation, Future Ready Schools "Casa-Todd helps us to make the leap from digital citizenship to digital leadership and provides plenty of concrete ideas and tips that we can bring into the classroom in order to help students become engaged and inspiring leaders who will drive change in both the face to face and digital worlds."-Dr. Alec Couros, professor of educational technology and media faculty of education, University of Regina "Social LEADia brings inspiration and a call to action to educators teaching today in the digital age…. this is a must-read book for every educator ready to make our world a better place through the sharing of stories and perspectives from our connected classrooms. Bravo!"-Dr. Jennifer Williams, professor, global program developer, and connected educator

Something happens in students when they define themselves as makers and inventors and creators. They discover powerful skillsproblem-solving, critical thinking, and imaginationthat will help them shape the world's future our future. In LAUNCH, John Spencer and A.J. Juliani provide a process that can be incorporated into every class at every grade level ... even if you don't consider yourself a ';creative teacher.' And if you dare to innovate and view creativity as an essential skill, you will empower your students to change the worldstarting right now.

What if learning was exciting?What if students felt important and empowered every time they walked into the building? What if parents looked forward to calls from their childrens teachers and principals, instead of cringing when the schools number popped up on their phones? To Todd Nesloney and Adam Welcome, those arent far-fetched what ifs; they can (and should) be a reality for every teacher, school, parent, and student. In Kids Deserve It!, Todd and Adam encourage you to think big and make learning fun and meaningful for students. While youre at it, you just might rediscover why you became an educator in the first place. Learn why you should be calling parents to praise your students (and employees).Discover ways to promote family interaction and improve relationships for kids at school and at home. Be inspired to take risks, shake up the status quo, and be a champion for your students. #KidsDeserveIt

Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next LevelBecause innovation deserves more than one hour a week.You''ve heard the complaints too many times: When am I ever going to use this in the real world? Why are we learning this?When are we going to learn about something interesting? But what if your students came to class excited? What if they were passionate about their projects? What if they grasped the connection between today''s work and tomorrow''s careers? In classrooms across the nation, innovative teachers are employing passion-based, open-source learning to improve their student''s education. In Pure Genius, Don Wettrick encourages teachers and administrators to collaborate--with experts, students, and one another--to create interesting, and even life-changing opportunities for learning. You''ll discover:Innovation brings a fresh approach to solving real problemsCreative ways to work within the constraints your current budget and system Courses that offer relevant content can inspire students to learn beyond the classroomCollaborating with experts and mentors improves the learning experience for students and teachersStudents must be taught and entrusted to appropriately use social media Social media is an incredible resource for inspiration and professional development Innovation is the key to equipping today''s students for tomorrow''s marketplace. By incorporating the concepts Don explains in Pure Genius, you can empower the next generation to be free thinkers who can create new concepts and products that can change the way we live.

"I just don''t get math." If you''re a math teacher, you probably can''t count the number of times you''ve heard students, parents, and even fellow teachers make a disparaging statement about your subject. As math teachers and instructional coaches, John Stevens and Matt Vaudrey know how discouraging it feels to look out into a classroom full of disinterested and confused students.But they also know how amazing it feels to see comprehension dawn in their students'' eyes - when a concept suddenly makes sense and math becomes meaningful.In The Classroom Chef, John and Matt share their secret recipes, ingredients, and tips for serving up lessons that engage students and help them "get" math. You can use these ideas and methods as-is, or better yet, tweak them and create your own enticing educational meals. The message the authors want to convey is that, with imagination and preparation, every teacher can be a Classroom Chef.Far from bland or boring, the lessons and ideas in The Classroom Chef spark curiosity-and occasionally bewilderment and awe (yes, in math class).After all, mullets, ziplines, and sharks aren''t standard topics for typical math classes.But maybe they should be.