Who We Are & What We Do

Dave and Shelley Burgess are the co-founders of Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. a publishing and educational learning network specializing in transforming education through dynamic professional development and the publishing of books that have sparked a global educational revolution. We are committed to spreading positive and inspiring messages and projects from real educators sharing real stories of real work with real students. 

We Believe That: 

  • Elevating the voices of powerful, passionate, and enthusiastic educators transforms education communities and systems. 
  • Uplifting acceptance and positivity of all people strengthens humanity and must be promoted in all school communities and systems. This is especially critical in a time when there is so much negative messaging within and about education. 
  • Education is the way to social justice and educators have an obligation to reflect, learn, grow, and be courageous to meet the needs of our communities. 
  • Modeling, inspiring, and supporting the spirit of creative entrepreneurship for educators, students, and community changes the quality of life for generations.

Meet the DBC, Inc. Team

Dave is the New York Times best-selling author of Teach Like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator and co-author of P is for PIRATE: Inspirational ABC's for Educators. He is a highly sought-after professional development speaker well known for his outrageously energetic and creative style. His programs not only inspire and motivate educators, but also provide practical strategies to dramatically improve instruction and student engagement. He was been an award-winning teacher for over seventeen years and was the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences BAMMY recipient for Secondary School Teacher of the Year in 2014.

Shelley has served twenty years as an award-winning teacher, principal, Director of Student Achievement, and most recently, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Leadership. She has led major reform initiatives that resulted in significant improvements in teaching and learning at both the school and district level. Her highly respected work has focused on building the leadership capacity of both administrators and teachers through coaching, collaboration, and building a positive culture of change. Shelley now works as a full-time partner in Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. and is the co-author of Lead Like a Pirate: Make School Amazing for Your Students and Staff  and P is for PIRATE: Inspirational ABC's for Educators.