Teach Like a Pirate: Engagement, Creativity, and Courage with Dave Burgess

In this high-energy episode of The No Name Paper Podcast, Meghan Wells is joined by veteran educator Heather Sanders to interview the one and only Dave Burgess — author of Teach Like a Pirate, keynote speaker, and founder of Dave Burgess Consulting. Together, they dive into the power of engagement, teacher creativity, and the courage it takes to innovate in today’s classrooms.

Dave shares the origin story behind the Pirate movement, from walking conference halls dressed as a pirate to publishing a global bestseller from his kitchen table. The conversation explores how risk-taking, human-centered engagement strategies, and passion-driven teaching can transform classrooms and reignite educator purpose.

You’ll also hear an honest discussion about teacher burnout, observation pressures, and how administrators can build cultures that encourage innovation rather than compliance. Plus, the trio tackles the evolving role of AI in education—highlighting how it can amplify teacher creativity when used as a thoughtful brainstorming partner instead of a shortcut.

The episode wraps up with a fun “Would You Rather: Pirate Edition” game and a look ahead at Dave’s upcoming projects, new books, and speaking engagements.

If you’re an educator who wants to reconnect with the joy, creativity, and purpose behind your teaching, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical mindset shifts you can implement immediately.

• The origin story of Teach Like a Pirate and the engagement movement

• Why student engagement is the foundation of effective instruction

• Creativity, courage, and risk-taking in observed classrooms

• Supporting innovation through leadership and school culture

• Using AI as a brainstorming partner to enhance lesson design

• Personal development, growth mindset, and overcoming teacher self-doubt

• Publishing educator voices and writing your own professional “manifesto”

• Pirate-themed rapid-fire “Would You Rather” game with Dave Burgess

Dave Burgess – Author of Teach Like a Pirate, keynote speaker, and founder of Dave Burgess Consulting
Heather Sanders – Veteran educator and guest host focused on Visible Learning, adolescent brain research, and literacy-driven instruction