Jim Burke

Jim Burke is an American English teacher and author best known for his influential books on secondary English instruction, including The English Teacher’s Companion, a comprehensive guide to classroom practice, curriculum, and the profession, and The Six Academic Writing Assignments: Designing the User’s Journey. A longtime high school English teacher, he taught at Burlingame High School in California and has written more than twenty books on teaching, literacy, and academic skills, with additional notable titles such as The Teacher’s Daybook, Tools for Thought, Reading Reminders, and Illuminating Texts.

Burke coauthored Academic Moves for College and Career Readiness, Grades 6–12: 15 Must-Have Skills Every Student Needs to Achieve, which focuses on key reading, writing, and thinking processes essential for secondary students. He has served as a senior author or consultant on major literature programs, including work on the Holt McDougal Literature series, and has participated in national efforts related to adolescent literacy and standards, such as Advanced Placement English Course and Exam Review commissions and the PARCC consortium.