The school year is officially in full swing, and teachers are back to work doing the things they love. Not to mention, in October we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, where we acknowledge and appreciate all of the achievements of teachers around the world.
So many teachers truly enjoy their jobs, but we know there’s nothing like coming home after a busy day and curling up with a good book. Check out some great reads for teachers that will remind them why they love doing what they do, and inspire them to keep up the great work!
“The Teacher Wars: A History of America’s Most Embattled Profession,” by Dana Goldstein
History junkies will especially love “The Teacher Wars: A History of America’s Most Embattled Profession,” by Dana Goldstein. In this well-researched dive into the history of the educational system, Goldstein takes a close look at the teaching profession from the early 1800s to present day. The book closely examines everything from the role of women in teaching to some of the problems that persist in the profession today. In the end, readers will have a more complete understanding of how teaching has evolved over the decades.
“Your First Year: How to Survive and Thrive as a New Teacher,” by Todd Whitaker
New teachers should check out “Your First Year: How to Survive and Thrive as a New Teacher,” by Todd Whitaker. This book helps new teachers take the theories they learned in their college classes and apply them to actual practice in the classroom. Whitaker identifies a number of challenges and pitfalls that new teachers face, and suggests ways to avoid them or resolve them. The advice in these pages will stick with you for your entire teaching career!
“Teach Like a Pirate: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity and Transform Your Life as an Educator,” by Dave Burgess
Even if you’re not a new teacher, there’s always room to sharpen your skills in the classroom. Teachers looking for new tips and tricks on how to interact and educate their students should read, “Teach Like a Pirate: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity and Transform Your Life as an Educator,” by Dave Burgess. This book is filled with innovative, yet practical, teaching techniques that will help teachers engage their students and lift the energy in their classrooms. The book will not only offer hope that you’ll rediscover your passion for teaching, but will also help you captivate your students and maximize their learning experience.
“Up the Down Staircase,” by Bel Kaufman
In the mood for some fiction instead? Take a look at “Up the Down Staircase” by Bel Kaufman. The book follows Miss Barrett and her first year of teaching at a New York City high school. Before long, Miss Barrett discovers the school is tight on resources and often has inadequate teaching conditions. Throughout the year, Miss Barrett must creatively find ways to motivate her students with the limited resources at her disposal. This book captures the struggles teachers face when working in lower socioeconomic locations, as well as some of the challenges new teachers face in their first year on the job.
“I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban,” by Malala Yousafzai
Finally, for a big dose of inspiration, teachers should pick up “I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban” by Malala Yousafzai. This incredible true story and memoir tells the story of Yousafzai’s battle against religious fundamentalism and terrifying warfare in order to establish education for girls in Pakistan. Her passion and outspoken ideas made her the target of a horrific Taliban attack. But despite the violence she faced, Yousafzai has continued to pursue her ultimate goal. The book is an important reminder of how social conditions can have the detrimental impact on education, and why it is important to promote education for all.
There are hundreds of books that teachers will love, but this reading list will certainly be a good start to help get you through the school year!
