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

What does it actually take to make technology work for students—not just sound good in a strategic plan? In this episode of The No Name Paper Podcast, Meghan and Candace sit down with Sephali Thakkar, a National Board Certified educator and STEM leader with nearly three decades of experience supporting schools, districts, and connected learning communities.

Together, they unpack how digital equity goes far beyond devices, why mentorship should be reciprocal, and how educators can thoughtfully integrate AI without losing the human element of teaching. Sephali shares practical insights on coaching teachers through innovation, building collaborative networks across schools, and reframing failure as part of the learning process.

This conversation dives into the realities of implementation, the importance of intentional tech adoption, and how strong relationships and reflective practices shape both student success and teacher growth.

If you’ve ever wondered how to move from buzzwords to meaningful change in your school or district, this episode is for you.

• Moving from “equity” as a buzzword to real, actionable practices

• Why connectivity—not just devices—is the missing piece in digital equity

• The power of reciprocal mentorship between veteran and new teachers

• Teaching students metacognition, reflection, and ethical AI use

• Common mistakes districts make when adopting new edtech tools

• Why implementation and teacher support matter more than the tool itself

• How intentional collaboration and community partnerships expand learning opportunities

• Technology should remove barriers, not create new ones.

• Adult learning and student learning share more similarities than we think.

• Strong relationships and reflection cycles are essential for meaningful growth.

• Schools must align purpose, implementation, and capacity before adopting new tools.

• Equity means giving learners what they need—not giving everyone the same thing.

Sephali Thakkar is a National Board Certified educator and STEM advocate with over 26 years of experience in national and international education leadership. She works directly with schools and districts to support digital equity initiatives, connected communities, and one-to-one device implementation while championing high-quality instructional materials and inclusive innovation.

If this conversation resonated with you, reflect on your own journey as an educator and how you’re leveraging technology, equity, and innovation in your context.

Share your thoughts, reflections, or takeaways with us:
🎙️ speakpipe.org/NoNamePaper

And don’t forget to share this episode with an educator who’s navigating the evolving world of edtech and instructional leadership.

In This Episode, We Discuss:Key TakeawaysAbout Our GuestConnect with the Podcast

How do we help students face challenges with courage, clarity, and joy — instead of shutdown, avoidance, or “I’m cooked”?

In this episode of The No Name Paper Podcast, Meghan Wells is joined by co-host Candice to talk with Jay Jackson, a longtime educator in Fremont Unified School District, former Stanford wrestling coach, and author of Up to the Challenge. Jay blends sports psychology, classroom practice, and deep reflection to help students build what he calls performance character — the habits of mind and heart that allow people to take on challenges well.

Jay shares the powerful, life-altering experience that led him from advertising into teaching, and why he is passionate about helping young people expand their comfort zones rather than become victims of difficulty. He explains how wrestling, coaching, and psychology shaped his approach to teaching, and why he believes schools must be more intentional about teaching students how to take on challenges — not just giving them more of them.

Together, they explore:

• The difference between moral character and performance character

• Why ego, self-awareness, and integrity form the foundation of growth

• The pillars of passion and perseverance (purpose, emotion, positive thought, courage, commitment)

• What flow state really is — and how it connects to joy rather than distraction

• Why “pleasure flow” (doomscrolling, instant dopamine) is different from “joyful flow” (hard, meaningful work)

• How teachers can use simple diagrams and tools to spark deep reflection in just 10 minutes

• Why “tough and smart” beats “tough but not thoughtful” — and how to help students live in that quadrant

• How to reframe fear as excitement rather than anxiety

The episode also features a game of Pressure or Perspective, where Jay weighs in on real classroom scenarios — from burned-out teams to unmotivated classes, anxious high-achievers, and overwhelmed teachers.

Throughout the conversation, Jay returns to one central belief: students can be both successful and happy — but only if we teach them how to meet challenges with intention, reflection, and grit.

🎙️ Join the conversation:
Have thoughts, questions, or reflections after listening? Leave us a message at speakpipe.org/NoNamePaper — we’d love to hear from you.

📌 Connect with Jay:
Learn more about his work and access his tools at uptothechallengejayjackson.com. His book, Up to the Challenge, is available through Solution Tree and Amazon.

Link to Jay's Diagrams and resources: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Di_-YmmajgraqBMQNUceExJETCVIKqa3/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109446659318321466077&rtpof=true&sd=true

What does leadership really look like when it doesn’t come with a title—and when rest, belonging, and humanity are part of the work?

In this episode of The No Name Paper Podcast, Meghan Wells is joined by returning co-host Debbie Tannenbaum for a powerful conversation with Dr. Sarah-Jane Thomas, educator, connector, and founder of EduMatch.

Sarah shares her unexpected journey into education, the accidental beginnings of EduMatch, and why amplifying educator voices has always been at the center of her work. Together, they reflect on the golden era of connected educators, what’s changed in today’s professional landscape, and how community, representation, and belonging matter now more than ever.

The conversation also explores:

• Leadership without formal titles

• Imposter syndrome and telling your story anyway

• Why rest is a leadership skill

• Navigating burnout, balance, and life transitions

• The inspiration behind The Softer Side and creating space for joy

• How educators can reclaim connection and purpose in a changing field

The episode wraps with a fun game of Match or Mismatch, where Sarah weighs in on leadership myths, personal branding, professional learning, social media, and why rest isn’t optional—it’s essential.

If you’ve ever questioned whether your voice matters, felt disconnected from the profession, or needed permission to slow down, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Join the conversation:
Have thoughts or reflections after listening? Leave us a message at speakpipe.org/NoNamePaper — we’d love to hear from you.

📌 Connect with Sarah:
Learn more about Dr. Sarah-Jane Thomas and her work connecting educators around the world at EduMatch.org, and explore opportunities to engage with her through keynotes, presentations, and professional learning.

This is The No Name Paper Podcast — where titles don’t matter, but people always do.

Trauma-Informed Teaching Isn’t Extra—It’s Essential

with Dr. Katie Welch & guest co-host Debbie Tannenbaum

In this episode of No Name Paper, Meghan Wells is joined by guest co-host Debbie Tannenbaum for a powerful, honest conversation with Dr. Katie Welch, educator, assistant principal, and researcher focused on trauma-informed, human-centered schools.

Dr. Welch shares what trauma-informed practices really look like in today’s classrooms—and why so many teachers are already doing more than they realize. From relationship-building and transparency to educator burnout and secondary trauma, this episode centers both students and the adults who serve them.

This conversation is real, reflective, and deeply affirming for educators navigating post-pandemic classrooms, increasing demands, and constant change.

• What trauma-informed teaching is (and what it’s not)

• Why trauma-informed practices start with educator mindset, not programs

• The difference between being trauma-informed and trauma-aware

• How consistency, routines, and transparency build trust and safety

• Supporting overstimulated educators and addressing secondary trauma

• Why rest is not a reward—it’s a requirement

• How honesty and modeling mistakes strengthen classroom relationships

• Reflections on COVID, generational trauma, and today’s learners

A rapid-fire game where Dr. Welch breaks down common school beliefs like:

• “All students should be treated the same”

• “Teachers should always be resilient”

• “Behavior is a choice”

• “Rest is a reward”

Spoiler: some of these ideas need to be rethought—fast.

Dr. Katie Welch is a lifelong learner who has taught across grades K–5 in a Title I school near Boston and currently serves in a dual role as a fifth-grade teacher and assistant principal. Her research focuses on trauma-informed practices, equity, and reducing the invisible burdens educators carry. She is also developing a teacher workbook focused on relationship-building and sustainability.

• Instagram: @turnandactuallytalk

• LinkedIn: Connect with Dr. Katie Welch

Share it with a colleague who’s feeling stretched thin.
Subscribe, rate, and review No Name Paper—it helps more educators find these conversations.

And remember: not every idea has to be polished or perfect to make a difference.
Sometimes the most meaningful change starts on a No Name Paper.

Summary

In this episode, Meghan engages in a deep conversation with Ian Bowen who shares his inspiring journey from being a paraplegic to running marathons. He emphasizes the importance of coaching, mentorship, and the role of educators in helping individuals reach their potential. The discussion highlights the similarities between coaching and teaching, focusing on how both professions guide individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The guest introduces his RINSE methodology, which stands for Remember, Imagine, Notice, and Expect, as a framework for personal growth and resilience. He shares personal anecdotes and insights on how to cultivate a positive mindset and the significance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone to foster growth and development.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of entrepreneurship, parenting, and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity. The guest encourages listeners to embrace their struggles and use them as stepping stones towards success, reinforcing the idea that everyone has the potential to overcome their circumstances and achieve greatness. This episode serves as a motivational reminder that with the right mindset and support, individuals can transform their lives and inspire others along the way.

Keywords

personal growth, resilience, coaching, mentorship, RINSE methodology, overcoming adversity, positive mindset, entrepreneurship, education, motivation

Takeaways

"A coach is someone who takes you to a destination you can't reach alone."

"You have to get uncomfortable because when you sit in that comfort zone, you're not growing."

"If you can look up, you can get up."

"It's not about learning anything new; it's about understanding that you already have everything you need in you."

"Expect the journey to be difficult, but also expect to win."

Welcome to Season 2 of No Name Paper — where we dig into the real work of education: the messy middle, the big shifts, and the people pushing our profession forward.

We’re kicking off the season with a powerful conversation featuring Chad Ostrowski, co-founder and CEO of the Teach Better Team.

Chad shares his journey from high-needs classrooms to developing the Grid Method, a mastery-based, self-paced learning framework designed to center learning over compliance. Together, we unpack what it really means to move away from “playing school” and toward classrooms where students take ownership — and teachers regain balance.

This episode is for educators who are questioning traditional grading, wrestling with engagement, navigating AI in the classroom, or looking for instructional models that actually work in real schools with real kids.

• Why coverage is not competence — and what to do instead

• How mastery learning changes student motivation, grit, and accountability

• What the Grid Method looks like in real classrooms (not just in theory)

• Why discomfort is often a sign that learning is actually happening

• How self-paced learning can reduce burnout and improve classroom management

• The impact of AI on learning — and why mastery-based instruction matters more than ever

• Practical entry points for teachers who want to try mastery learning without overhauling everything

• “If students are working harder and learning more, we’re winning — even if it’s uncomfortable.”

• “The value of teaching isn’t the knowledge we hold — it’s the experience we create.”

• “Mastery learning gives us better information, and better information never hurts instruction.”

• 🌐 Website: https://www.teachbetter.com

• 📚 Free Grid Method Course: Teach Better Academy

• 📲 Follow Chad on social media: @ChadOstrowski

• 📲 Follow Teach Better: @TeachBetterTeam

No Name Paper is where teaching is more than one size fits all. We highlight educators, ideas, and strategies that challenge the status quo and bring humanity back to the classroom.

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow, rate, and share — it helps other educators find the conversations they need.

In this episode, we discuss:Notable moments:Connect with Chad & Teach BetterAbout No Name Paper

Episode 42 — Culture First Classrooms with Dr. Darrin Peppard

Happy New Year and welcome back to No Name Paper! To kick off the year, Meghan and Candice revisit and re-release one of the most powerful conversations from early in the podcast—an inspiring, wisdom-packed interview with Dr. Darrin Peppard, leadership expert, bestselling author, consultant, and host of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast.

Dr. Peppard dives deep into what it truly means to build culture-first classrooms and schools—places where students and staff feel seen, valued, trusted, and empowered to thrive. From practical shifts teachers can make tomorrow, to transformational leadership lessons learned the hard way, this episode is rich with reflection, hope, and actionable strategies.

• Why classroom management isn’t about control—it’s about intentional culture-building

• How relationships, visibility, and curiosity change school communities

• Culture over compliance: moving beyond punishment to support and growth

• Serving multilingual and marginalized students with belonging and dignity

• Leadership truths: how administrators support culture instead of stifling it

• The real impact of culture on attendance, achievement, and discipline data

• How teachers build legacy through micro-moments students remember forever

• Encouragement for teachers who feel alone in the work of positive culture

• “We’re in the people business.”

• “Put culture first—and everything else follows.”

• “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

• “Titles don’t make leaders. Actions do.”

• “Belonging drives achievement.”

✔️ Teachers focusing on classroom climate
✔️ School leaders navigating change
✔️ Educators feeling burned out or isolated
✔️ Anyone who believes culture shapes everything

A few rapid-fire highlights? Relationships matter most. Self-reflection changes practice. Leadership isn’t firefighting—it’s intentionally guiding people and culture.

Author of:

• Road to Awesome: The Journey of a Leader

• Culture First Classrooms

Host of:

• Leaning Into Leadership podcast

Culture isn’t accidental. It is built—moment by moment, choice by choice, relationship by relationship. This episode is your reminder that your presence, your intention, and your heart matter.