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Relentless: Changing Lives by Disrupting the Educational Norm
Be Relentless!Hamish Brewer (aka the Tattooed Skateboarding Principal) grew up in a home disrupted by poverty, addiction, and family dysfunction. He understands the feelings of fear, lostness, and desperation that overwhelm too many children today—because that was his life. That experience is what drives him to work relentlessly to empower people living in the toughest areas to envision and create a better future for themselves.
Disrupt the norm. That is the challenge Hamish, a Nationally Distinguished Principal, calls educators, students, families, and communities to accept. And as he authentically shares his life experiences and adventures in this book, you, too, will be inspired to . . .
Believe that something bigger and better is possible.Pursue your best, whatever it takes.Transform your school.Become the educator you always dreamed of being.Leave a legacy that pushes others to achieve their best!Relentless is more than a motto. It’s a mission of total passion and purpose. And it’s the only way to win at work and at life.Are you ready to take your life and work to the next level?Be Relentless!“Hamish proves that passion, love, and thinking outside the box have the power to change children’s lives.” —Michael Ien Cohen, director and producer, Humanity Stoked
“This book is no gimmick; it is a way of being. It is real. We must fight for all children. We must be all in. So, roll up your sleeves. Show those tattoos. And be Relentless.” —John P. Broome, PhD, associate professor of education, University of Mary Washington
“In Relentless, Hamish Brewer shares a story of hope, love, and inspiration for making schools better. It is one part memoir, one part school-improvement guide, and a whole lot of motivation.” —Beth Houf, principal, Fulton Middle School; coauthor, Lead Like a PIRATE
Disrupt the norm. That is the challenge Hamish, a Nationally Distinguished Principal, calls educators, students, families, and communities to accept. And as he authentically shares his life experiences and adventures in this book, you, too, will be inspired to . . .
Believe that something bigger and better is possible.Pursue your best, whatever it takes.Transform your school.Become the educator you always dreamed of being.Leave a legacy that pushes others to achieve their best!Relentless is more than a motto. It’s a mission of total passion and purpose. And it’s the only way to win at work and at life.Are you ready to take your life and work to the next level?Be Relentless!“Hamish proves that passion, love, and thinking outside the box have the power to change children’s lives.” —Michael Ien Cohen, director and producer, Humanity Stoked
“This book is no gimmick; it is a way of being. It is real. We must fight for all children. We must be all in. So, roll up your sleeves. Show those tattoos. And be Relentless.” —John P. Broome, PhD, associate professor of education, University of Mary Washington
“In Relentless, Hamish Brewer shares a story of hope, love, and inspiration for making schools better. It is one part memoir, one part school-improvement guide, and a whole lot of motivation.” —Beth Houf, principal, Fulton Middle School; coauthor, Lead Like a PIRATE
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2019
154 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 12, 2019
Hamish Brewer is anything but typical. A tattooed skateboard riding principal whose zest for life and education transcends tradition, culture, place and every other impediment you could imagine. He grew up in New Zealand in poverty. He found school difficult and oppressive and even was retained a year. However from an early age he had a drive to distinguish himself and do something great. He believes that success in education is about relationships. He writes, “When you acknowledge, respect, empower, motivate, inspire, and believe in people, you can move mountains.” This book will have you on the edge of your seat and you will be hard pressed to put it down. Hamish loves his school and the children that attend there. He builds a culture of confidence and desire by telling children that he loves them. He says, “I challenge you to introduce the word love into the everyday vocabulary in your school. Relentless is a call for everyone to aspire to new heights. We all have it in us to be relentless and this book is an invitation to do just that.
January 28, 2020
Relentless Is an inspiring book for all administrators and teacher leaders. As a teacher this book provided me with a new appreciation on why administrators do some of the things they do. It also inspired me how I, as a teacher leader, can support my administrators in our school mission.
June 12, 2019
Inspiring and filled with specific ideas, with the bottom line being “It’s all about the students.”. Almost enough to make me come out of retirement.
October 15, 2019
Nothing new. Most comments are from people who work for him so I challenge the validity
August 11, 2019
Awesome read. Hamish has a passion that is infectious. I can't wait to practice his ideas at my school this year!
#2menandabook
#2menandabook
June 30, 2020
Love the newly awakened hope this book stirred up in me as a teacher. It’s my wish that more administrators read this book and embrace the ideas of change that our world of education desperately needs. The constant reminder to respect, support, and love your teachers and unite like a family for the students is refreshing. I feel inspired to be a better me.
June 7, 2020
For the record, I am currently enrolled at Arizona State University on the pathway to become a secondary school history teacher. I currently work at a strength training gym helping coach multiple teachers amongst administrators. This book came highly recommended from a loving place.
Not having had the opportunity for adequate hands on experience just yet, this title reads as much like a motivational tool as an educational one. Hamish Brewer’s story and how it transcends into the deepest roots of education, is something everyone can relate to and grow from. As a juvenile on the impoverished streets of New Zealand, Mr. Brewer learned to apply his street/people skills into a platform which undoubtedly transformed the lives of every student, teacher and community he graces. A beautiful quality of this book, is the first hand testimonials and experiences that other’s have dedicated to what Hamish means to them and their communities.
Not having had the opportunity for adequate hands on experience just yet, this title reads as much like a motivational tool as an educational one. Hamish Brewer’s story and how it transcends into the deepest roots of education, is something everyone can relate to and grow from. As a juvenile on the impoverished streets of New Zealand, Mr. Brewer learned to apply his street/people skills into a platform which undoubtedly transformed the lives of every student, teacher and community he graces. A beautiful quality of this book, is the first hand testimonials and experiences that other’s have dedicated to what Hamish means to them and their communities.
June 25, 2019
This book was a clear, easy to read story about what happens when you believe in yourself, your staff, your students, and take a no holds barred approach to education. Hamish Brewer (“the tattooed skateboarding principal”) is a principal in my county who I first heard about through the local news. My mom recommended his book to me and I’m so glad that she did. Mr. Brewer is passionate about everything he does and that comes through in his writing. I enjoyed reading his stories of success and of learning from failure, but even more I enjoyed his mantra of being all-in for the students. There are lots of opinions in education, but one that both Mr. Brewer and I hold strongly is that relationships are the key to everything. This book isn’t exactly a memoir and it isn’t exactly a guide to educational success, but it is a story of how passion and dedication have impacted the lives of individuals and communities. I definitely recommend this book to folks in education and I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for opportunities to see Mr. Brewer speak.
November 17, 2019
This is a 200-page resume. The book highlights Brewer’s accomplishments without digging into how he went about changing the schools in which he worked. His suggestions are the same generalizations heard from every other PD or motivational speaker in education. The copious letters of support from colleagues, former students, and other stakeholders are out of place, and frankly, inappropriate for this type of book. It is marketed to help teachers become better, more relentless. What it ended up being is a passionless autobiography.
January 8, 2022
Mostly finished. Can you imagine a woman principal being taken seriously wearing a t shirt and board shorts? I get comments if I participate in a jeans day. There’s more to say, but this was just not for me.
February 16, 2022
Read this book for professional development. A few good ideas but no real plan. Mostly appears to be an ego trip for the author. And the included testimonials only further the overall theme of "me, me, me."
January 19, 2020
Lots and lots of encouragement, but not so many ideas...unless you skateboard and have tattoos.
June 14, 2023
"Relentless: Changing Lives by Disrupting the Educational Norm" is a powerful and inspiring book that challenges the status quo of education and offers a compelling vision for transforming the way we teach and learn. Authored by an educational innovator, Hamish Brewer, this paperback is a rallying cry to educators, administrators, and parents to embrace change and create an educational system that empowers every student.
Brewer's passion for education shines through the pages as he shares his personal journey and experiences. His relentless dedication to transforming the lives of students, particularly those who face challenging circumstances, is truly inspiring. Through heartfelt anecdotes and real-world examples, he showcases how a disruptive approach to education can make a profound difference in the lives of students, especially those who have been traditionally underserved.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its emphasis on the human aspect of education. Brewer recognizes the importance of building strong relationships with students, understanding their unique backgrounds and circumstances, and creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. He advocates for a student-centered approach that focuses on meeting individual needs, rather than adhering strictly to standardized curricula.
The book also delves into the power of creating a positive culture within schools. Brewer emphasizes the significance of fostering a sense of belonging, instilling a growth mindset, and promoting resilience in both students and educators. He shares practical strategies and examples of how a positive school culture can fuel student success and create a transformative educational experience.
Brewer's writing style is engaging, energetic, and filled with anecdotes that bring his ideas to life. His passion for education is contagious, and readers will find themselves captivated by his stories and inspired to challenge the status quo. While some may perceive the author's relentless energy as overwhelming at times, it is ultimately a driving force that compels readers to reevaluate their own approach to education.
However, one potential drawback of the book is its limited exploration of systemic challenges and the broader societal context in which education operates. While Brewer acknowledges the impact of socioeconomic factors on student achievement, a deeper examination of the structural barriers that exist in education would have enhanced the book's overall analysis. Nevertheless, the book primarily focuses on empowering educators and inspiring change at the grassroots level, which is an important starting point for transforming education.
In conclusion, "Relentless: Changing Lives by Disrupting the Educational Norm" is an empowering and transformative book that challenges traditional educational paradigms. Hamish Brewer's passion, authenticity, and dedication to students shine through, making this a must-read for educators, administrators, and anyone interested in reshaping education. While it could benefit from a broader systemic analysis, the book's focus on relationships, student empowerment, and a positive school culture offers valuable insights and practical strategies. It serves as a call to action for all those involved in education to disrupt the norm and create a more inclusive and empowering educational experience for all students.
Brewer's passion for education shines through the pages as he shares his personal journey and experiences. His relentless dedication to transforming the lives of students, particularly those who face challenging circumstances, is truly inspiring. Through heartfelt anecdotes and real-world examples, he showcases how a disruptive approach to education can make a profound difference in the lives of students, especially those who have been traditionally underserved.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its emphasis on the human aspect of education. Brewer recognizes the importance of building strong relationships with students, understanding their unique backgrounds and circumstances, and creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. He advocates for a student-centered approach that focuses on meeting individual needs, rather than adhering strictly to standardized curricula.
The book also delves into the power of creating a positive culture within schools. Brewer emphasizes the significance of fostering a sense of belonging, instilling a growth mindset, and promoting resilience in both students and educators. He shares practical strategies and examples of how a positive school culture can fuel student success and create a transformative educational experience.
Brewer's writing style is engaging, energetic, and filled with anecdotes that bring his ideas to life. His passion for education is contagious, and readers will find themselves captivated by his stories and inspired to challenge the status quo. While some may perceive the author's relentless energy as overwhelming at times, it is ultimately a driving force that compels readers to reevaluate their own approach to education.
However, one potential drawback of the book is its limited exploration of systemic challenges and the broader societal context in which education operates. While Brewer acknowledges the impact of socioeconomic factors on student achievement, a deeper examination of the structural barriers that exist in education would have enhanced the book's overall analysis. Nevertheless, the book primarily focuses on empowering educators and inspiring change at the grassroots level, which is an important starting point for transforming education.
In conclusion, "Relentless: Changing Lives by Disrupting the Educational Norm" is an empowering and transformative book that challenges traditional educational paradigms. Hamish Brewer's passion, authenticity, and dedication to students shine through, making this a must-read for educators, administrators, and anyone interested in reshaping education. While it could benefit from a broader systemic analysis, the book's focus on relationships, student empowerment, and a positive school culture offers valuable insights and practical strategies. It serves as a call to action for all those involved in education to disrupt the norm and create a more inclusive and empowering educational experience for all students.
December 30, 2023
Last spring I attended the Plain Talk Conference in New Orleans and was inspired by Hamish's keynote presentation! He said all the right things with a focus on students and high expectations. However after the keynote was over I was pondering... HOW did he accomplish his goals with his schools? Tattoos, skateboards, catch phrases, and rolling desks don't improve student achievement alone. The keynote was lacking nuts and bolts and I was hoping this book would fill in the gaps. I was glad to see the practical advice Hamish gives about what worked in his schools (and proud to say we are already doing a lot of these things at Newell).
I'd recommend this book to all leaders looking to make a change. Reading note however: If you want his full life story: Chapters 1-6 are all autobiographical, and while inspiring, it was not what I was looking for with this book; If you're looking for the meat of the school improvement strategies, start reading at chapter 7 and be ready to take notes! There's nothing fancy here just solid practical strategies.
I'd recommend this book to all leaders looking to make a change. Reading note however: If you want his full life story: Chapters 1-6 are all autobiographical, and while inspiring, it was not what I was looking for with this book; If you're looking for the meat of the school improvement strategies, start reading at chapter 7 and be ready to take notes! There's nothing fancy here just solid practical strategies.
August 1, 2020
I wish there were half-star ratings because this gets a solid 3.5 for its content, but not a four for the redundancy. There was an attempt to deliver the information more palatably by breaking up the chapters with anecdotal vignettes. Honestly, I could have done with out those in favor of more summarizing bullet points. However, this books outlines dynamic and effective approaches to creating a culture to thrive in a school. Some insights will not seem so surprising and the example of Hamish's dedication and enthusiasm is a testament that good ideas also need good people. Many of these principals can carry over into other organizational cultures, especially those that serve the downtrodden. I am thankful for my new friend's recommendation because I normally wouldn't have read this book, and now I'm so glad I did.
June 26, 2019
Everybody who wants to be/is an educator needs to read this book! It's all about Hamish's philosophy of being real, forming relationships, and being the best for children. This book empowers us to be authentic, take risks, be who you are, protect and advocate for our students individuality and identities, and ask students to "chase 100" (strive to give their best everyday). Through building relationships and doing the best we can for kids we can disrupt the norm of the archaic educational system and we can be relentless.
If you decide not to read this book PLEASE watch the Freeform documentary about how he is changing the dynamic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKt9C...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlMRe...
If you decide not to read this book PLEASE watch the Freeform documentary about how he is changing the dynamic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKt9C...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlMRe...
December 9, 2022
This was a marvelous read! I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Mr. Brewers philosophies on teaching and how he set to change the norm. This is more geared towards the administration side, but I was so curious when I saw the documentary clips that I wanted to know more. I want to be the change, I want to make learning fun, and I want a mentor like Mr Brewer in my corner. The book isn’t solely his views, it has entries from community members, teachers and former students, as well as friends and former supervisors. It gives you the insight to how RELENTLESS he has become and brought it to the students.
June 25, 2019
As an educator maybe I shouldn’t think this way, but my favorite part of this book was how human the story is. So often we get these books that feel sterilized or too magical or something. But life is hard and education is hard and we’ve all tried using our voice as behavior management (still doesn’t work) and this book touches some of that. If you’re looking for a step by step guide for how to be a better educator, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for the excitement and passion to kick-start your own idea, this book is exactly what you need.
March 4, 2021
I read this for a book study class. I am very impressed by Brewer's experiences and tips for reforming education and providing more meaningful instruction and experiences to help students better progress. The school where I teach is currently implementing the Marzano program for High Reliability Schools, and there were several similar ideas from Brewer's book that rang true for me with adjustments I'm making in my curriculum at this time. Brewer is a true champion in the education field. I would highly recommend this book to any educator.
January 16, 2023
If you are in doubt about your abilities or want to make a difference and be outside the box, this book is for you. Hamish Brewer is "Relentless." He does not make excuses. He expects as much from himself as he does from the people, students, and community he works for. He has opened up my eyes and given me inspiration in pursuing this next phase of my life. We do not all have to teach the same or lead the same but we do need to have Passion and Purpose. What is the legacy you want to leave?
August 9, 2019
Loved it - inspiring summer read
Hopefully he will write a book on dealing with red tape and all of the fears administrators have of doing what he did which was to go back and focus on each student as a whole person- and every staff member as a whole person. Our kids need more people like him.
Hopefully he will write a book on dealing with red tape and all of the fears administrators have of doing what he did which was to go back and focus on each student as a whole person- and every staff member as a whole person. Our kids need more people like him.
October 31, 2019
Mr. Brewer sounds like a fun person to work for. I loved the energy of the book - especially in the beginning. I did feel like chapters towards the end of end book (ones about data and meetings and curriculum) were a bit long and boring. I started to loose interest after awhile. I did, however, love all of the comments and stories from his students and colleagues.
November 29, 2019
Society has changed, but education has not. If we want to keep students engaged and present we just disrupt education as we know it. This can seem impossible when you feel like your hands are tied by administration at state, district or school levels. By putting students first in every decision that you make you can bring to change lives and disrupt the norm!
July 11, 2021
This book came to me highly recommended. I generally follow a rule: three errors (grammar, word choice, capitalization, etc) and I press, hold, delete from device. Because of the high recommendation, I gave this book seven. I think I was still in chapter 6. Here's my advice, the author should be as relentless about his editing as he is about skateboarding.
July 30, 2023
I loved getting to hear Hamish Brewer speak last year, so I was excited to read his book. The same passion and energy he brought to his speech, he brought to his book. It’s an inspiring read for sure. It is a touch repetitive though and I did start skipping over the testimonial type sections towards the end. A good back to school read!
July 2, 2019
Great inspirational read! Love hearing about incredible educators being all in for kids. This book is a great read for the educational leaders of any level and a reminder of the perseverance to push forward and importance of relationships.
July 27, 2019
One of the best education books I have read. I am super fortunate to work for a principal who is spot on with the philosophies in this book of out of the box thinking and focusing on relationships in our educational system. Recommend to anyone working in education today.
August 13, 2019
Absolutely inspiring. I feel like I have a completely new mindset as I approach the new school year. Hamish gives solid, practical advice that makes it easy for readers to develop plans that will help them achieve their goals. A must-read.
April 11, 2020
Hamish brings to light what is holding back many schools and teachers. Outdated teaching practices and lack of trust in teachers are two of the issues he addresses in his book. Must read especially for administrators.
April 24, 2020
Just wow! I would love to see and hear Mr. Brewer in action. I’m sure his staff and students have lots of wonderful stories to tell.
The book is full of wonderful ideas to turn an at risk school around, powerful words, and great ideas of positive quotes to hang in a classroom.
The book is full of wonderful ideas to turn an at risk school around, powerful words, and great ideas of positive quotes to hang in a classroom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews