The book that I am reading with my cooperating teacher, Mrs. Cambruzzi, was chosen based on other past students’ opinions of the book, online reviews and, most importantly in my case, because of the day I attended Mr. Dave Burgess' workshop in the Fall of 2015. On a personal note, I am not the world’s biggest fan of reading. I enjoy reading most when I can select the literature and read at my own pace, which can make any reading for a project or school somewhat difficult for my attention span. I continued to think about Teach Like A Pirate and how Mr. Burgess' workshop was so interactive and engaging, that he would have to make his book the same way – as a reflection of his teaching and personality.
Within the first five pages, I knew I had picked the right book for me. One of the very first pages, Mr. Burgess explains how weird looks from students are completely normal and that we as teachers need to embrace them. This hit me on both a personal and professional level; I personally struggle with what others think of me in my daily life and on a professional level I strive to exceed expectations and be what I think is 'perfect'. As I continued to read, the words finally made sense. It is okay to be weird and different, and no one is really perfect, so now is the best time to show your personality in the classroom to gather their attention and start class on the best (and strangest) note possible! The weird looks mean something is working; your students are intrigued and curious. Our instruction creates questions in their minds of “who is this person?”, “what are they doing?” and, most importantly, “why?” In the next few days I will be assisting at the Pennsylvania FFA State Days and I hope to see and embrace the weird looks and contagious smiles of my students.
As I continued reading, Mr. Burgess explained what “pirate” really stands for: passion, immersion, rapport, ask and analyze, transformations and enthusiasm. Again, to be completely honest about this, I am still overwhelmed when I look at those words. I know I will get through it, learn it and use it; but definitely reading more will help prepare myself. The following page told me it is okay to not be passionate about everything you teach. WOW!! With just a few words, all of my worry and lack of confidence were gone!
As I continue reading, I am learning about the different types of passion to a much deeper level. Content passion is being excited and loving what you teach from your specific subject. Personal passion can be things you are passionate about outside the classroom; for me that would be family and horses. Professional passion is not exactly what you may be learning or teaching, but one example includes that feeling of satisfaction you get when information ‘clicks’ in a student’s head. To me, that professional passion is the feeling of making a difference in the lives of others.
Before my teaching journey even begins, I am beyond delighted to help other people succeed but I also have some fears. Throughout my reading, I am told and learning through other teachers that teaching is filled with frustrations with not just students, but coworkers, management, parents, tests, budgets, and many trials that must be overcome. Teaching will test your patience, and that is okay! I feel that Teach Like a Pirate has not only given me insight within the first few pages, but has helped give me confidence as I step into a more important role to empower students.
"Passion is an intoxicating drug without the dangers and side effects" will be my favorite quote of all time. This sentence can be applied to my life in so many ways! After I had read this, I read the section Mr. Burgess wrote about immersion; his swimming pool example was simply brilliant. I would rather be in the water teaching the swim class than focusing on each student from above while blowing a whistle as a life guard. To teach a classroom, you must be there more than physically – you have to get in the water and swim alongside your students. Although I plan to be immersed in my lessons with my students, I know Mrs. Cambruzzi will help me achieve it; I have the passion but lack the professional experience that she has with her students.
To wrap up my initial reflection of this book, I have learned that it is more than okay to fail and you should always strive for more effectiveness than completeness. At the end of the day or class period, have you made each and every student feel successful? These simple yet challenging questions will stay with me throughout the next few years to guide me in becoming the professional educator that I strive to be, while also enhancing my knowledge of teaching and in the world of agriculture.
For Mrs. Cambruzzi, the following questions are directed to you! I know I will be seeing you at FFA State Days, so we can discuss more in person if necessary!
How do you open your first day of class? -What is it like having the first day with returning students versus new students? What do you do differently?
In Teach Like a Pirate, it is brought up that we as educators are always creative, and we never lose that spark. What are some ways you keep your creative juices flowing? Do you have any helpful tips?
How do you know when your students are successful? Is it them simply just saying "I understand this" or is it a visual cue?
How adaptable is Teach Like a Pirate to your students and your classroom?
And last but not least, would you mind sharing some of your professional, personal and content passion with me?
