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Over the course of his career, Mike Burke taught English and coached a variety of men's and women's sports and activities at five different high schools in the suburbs of Chicago. (He was also on the Dark Side for seven years.) Now retired, his debut memoir-in-essays looks back on the lessons learned through a lifetime in education. Married for over 40 years, he and his wife have four adult children and seven grandchildren. Aside from enjoying plenty of family time, he complements his new "career" as an author by giving boxing lessons, announcing high school basketball games, and facilitating a local Writers Workshop. A dynamic speaker, Burke has presented at state and local conferences on leadership, athletics, and classroom pedagogy. His experiences as a teacher and coach continue to inspire his writing and his message. His next book, Run, is currently under construction.
Reviewed by Mansoor Ahmed for Readers' Favorite
Lessons Learned: A Teacher and Coach Reflects by Michael F. Burke, Sr. is a heartfelt collection of essays that takes readers through the author’s life as both an educator and a learner. The book opens with vivid stories from Burke’s childhood, like the unforgettable “moonshine incident,” and moves through his years in the classroom and on the field as a coach. Each chapter shares moments of humor, struggle, and growth, showing how life’s challenges and joys both shape us. Burke invites readers to reflect on their own experiences, whether as teachers, parents, or simply as individuals seeking to live meaningfully. The essays are not just about teaching—they are about learning from every moment, whether painful or joyful, and using those lessons to become better at whatever we do.
Michael F. Burke’s writing is honest and engaging, with a style that makes you feel like you’re sitting across from a wise friend. Each essay unfolds naturally, and the pacing keeps you interested—sometimes you want to race ahead to see what he learned, other times you want to pause and think. There’s plenty of action, both in the classroom and at home, but the real power comes from the author’s reflections. The characters, especially Burke and his family, feel real and relatable. The themes of resilience, responsibility, and humor touched me. As someone who enjoys stories that make me laugh and think, I found myself both entertained and moved. Lessons Learned is a wonderful reminder that life’s best lessons often come from the most unexpected places.
