Lessons Learned

A debut memoirist reflects on his career as a high school teacher and coach in this essay collection...The topics include the author’s experiences coaching multiple sports and the differences between teaching at private versus public schools...Burke eschews a standard chronological narrative for a more reflective approach that positions autobiographical vignettes as metaphors for the themes and lessons that undergirded his career...The text certainly doesn’t glamorize teaching as a profession, and Burke tells his stories with the salty vocabulary of a battle-hardened veteran, but the work warmly acknowledges the inspiration, motivation, and rewarding feelings that come with helping teenagers grow into adults. The book’s final essay, an ode to the poetry of Walt Whitman, offers a powerful defense of the necessity of literature...A well-crafted meditation on teaching that balances comic anecdotes with poignant reflections.–Kirkus Reviews How introspection, philosophy, and heartfelt bullshit can help you reach retirement with your sanity, self-respect, and sense of humor intact. Lessons from a Career Educator: An honest and introspective look at a teacher’s life. From early childhood through his retirement, Burke shares stories and lessons learned that helped him and can help you make it to the finish line. This is not the story of a Magical Teacher. Burke is an average individual working hard to be a good educator by trying first to be a decent person. Most of his anecdotes will make you laugh, some will make you cry (the good cry), a few will make you cringe, but all will make you think.