The Buzz

Here’s what people are saying already about What Teachers Can Learn from Sports Coaches:

  • “Nathan Barber’s book reminds us how complicated teaching is and offers practitioners rich portrayals of how coaches teach, and how teachers coach. In this current era of high stakes testing, the narrowing of curriculum, and scripted pedagogical guides, Nathan’s must-read book offers a new kind of playbook for transforming how students learn.” Barnett Berry, CEO & Partner, Center for Teaching Quality
  • “Nathan Barber’s book is full of insightful and practical ideas for how teachers can motivate students and build trust using the same tactics that coaches use to motivate players and foster teamwork. An excellent book for new teachers who want winning strategies and experienced teachers looking for fresh ideas.” Todd Whitaker, Professor at Indiana State University, internationally-recognized education expert, and author of the bestseller What Great Teachers Do Differently
  • “What’s the difference between great teachers and great coaches? In this compelling book, Nathan Barber proves that you can’t be one without the other.” Annette Breaux, internationally-known education expert and author of numerous books including Seven Simple Secrets: What the BEST Teachers Know and Do
  • “Nathan Barber draws on the wisdom and experience of some of the best teachers in sports and translates that wisdom into best practices for your classroom.” Kim Mulkey, Two-time NCAA Champion Head Coach of Baylor Women’s Basketball
  • “This thought-provoking book outlines a comprehensive yet practical approach for effective teaching in the 21st century. Nathan Barber combines the fundamental elements of sports coaching with the essential standards of classroom teaching and offers a clear, detailed blueprint of instructional strategies for emerging and veteran teachers, as well as school leaders. It is a must-read for all educators!” Renee Hauntz, Manager, Leadership Development Department for the Dallas ISD
  • “As I began reading this book, I wondered what coaches might really have to say of value to classroom teachers.  But this book is inspiring.  It reminds experienced teachers about the principles of good teaching and the values that we all must continue to hold on to despite teaching in the age of test-driven instruction.  It instills in new teachers the dispositions necessary to be truly successful with students.  Do you want to be a life-changing influence in the lives of your students? Read this book and discover how.” Margaret S. Thomson, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Baylor University
  • “What Teachers Can Learn from Sports Coaches will resonate with teachers who are looking for new perspectives in the classroom, or perhaps with those that look for affirmation for new ideas already in practice. The book could also be an eye-opener for coaches who have yet to see the connection between their coaching techniques and their classroom teaching. However, this book’s greatest value may be that it reinforces the value of athletics as part of a school’s total curriculum and the need for more recognition for coaches as innovators in education and, in many cases, masters of 21st century teaching pedagogy.” Jay Watts, for SAIS, full review can be found here