Reviewed by Jon Konen, District Superintendent

Good teachers are lifelong learners, always looking for ways to develop new skills and understandings. As a teacher, you may long to read up on new ideas for your classroom, but with the demands on your time this amounts to nothing more than a fantasy. Staying up to date on the best books for teachers is a challenge for any busy professional, so peruse our list to make an informed choice about how to spend your valuable reading time.
The best books for teachers in 2021 range in theme, including inspirational, ideas for professional development, celebrating diversity and classroom management strategies that will help to benefit new and veteran teachers alike. They are available in multiple formats and are perfect whether you prefer audio, digital or classic print. Spend some time looking over these carefully selected titles, decide which books best match your teaching needs and interests, and curl up with one this winter to inspire your teaching.
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Inspirational Books for Teachers
The following books are for teachers who are looking to add some sort of inspiration…..
What School Could Be by Ted Dintersmith
What It’s About: A travelogue from American classrooms about teachers who help children thrive under difficult circumstances.
Why Teachers Should Read it: Dintersmith provides stirring anecdotes to warm your heart along with reasons to be hopeful that the change we need will come from today’s students and the teachers who lead them. Read this book if you became a teacher to help children thrive; you will feel connected to the thousands of other teachers motivated by this same value.
The Teacher Wars: A History of America’s Most Embattled Profession by Dana Goldstein
What It’s About: The history of public education and women as educators in America.
Why Teachers Should Read it: Goldstein looks at the historic roots of teaching as a women’s profession. Especially compelling is her extensive historical research; she takes the reader on a journey of public education in America from the 1830s to the present day. This book is perfect if you want to learn about how gender disparity in teacher salaries came to be.
Enticing Hard to Reach Readers by Ruth Ayres
What It’s About: Encouraging kids to write in order to heal from traumatic experiences.
Why Teachers Should Read it: Ayers, a professional development coordinator and mother of four, presents easily adaptable techniques for teaching writing. She presents scientific evidence on childhood trauma and brain research, and inspires teachers to be persistent writing coaches with personal anecdotes and practical strategies. This book is great for any teacher who works with children from troubled backgrounds.
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
What It’s About: A homeschooled child of survivalist parents remembers her difficult but ultimately triumphant transition to mainstream life.
Why Teachers Should Read it: Westover recounts her journey and helps the reader see mainstream society from the eyes of a child who never stepped foot in a classroom but went on to achieve academic excellence anyway. This is a story about tenacity and grit and is a good choice for anyone looking to confirm their belief in the powers of personal fortitude and education.
I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
What It’s About: Malala Yousafzai, the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, tells her personal story of her fight for girls’ education in Pakistan.
Why Teachers Should Read it: If you are looking for a young hero, Malala is your girl. Her memoir is a must-read for anyone passionate about education for girls. This book is a stark reminder that warfare and religious fundamentalism have been detrimental to girls around the world.
Books for Professional Development
The following books are for teachers looking to build upon their professional development….
What Works in Schools by Robert Marzano
What It’s About: Creative ways to deliver instruction and manage your classroom in the age of high-stakes testing.
Why Teachers Should Read it: This now-classic text is now so fundamental to current pedagogical practices that it is the textbook of choice for many college instructors. Marzano covers topics such as reading and writing instruction, critical thinking skills, school effectiveness, assessment, cognition and standards implementation. This book is an essential item on the bookshelf of every teacher.
Lead Like a Pirate by Shelley Burgess and Beth Houf
What It’s About: In this sequel to bestseller Teach Like a Pirate, Burgess and Houf apply the PIRATE technique to school leadership.
Why Teachers Should Read it:Whether you are a current or aspiring school administrator, read this book if you need inspiration, motivation and ideas for sustaining a culture of excellence in your school. Burgess and Houf write with a contagious (and hilarious) zeal for strong leadership and dynamic schools.
Disruptive Thinking: Why How We Read Matters
What It’s About: Useful reading strategies to help students deepen reading comprehension and engage with their reading material.
Why Teachers Should Read it: Kylee Beers and Robert Probst, authors of bestseller Notice and Note, want students of all ages to be responsive and responsible readers. Their user-friendly book includes features such as turn-and-talk discussion points. This book is perfect for any teacher who wants to empower their students as readers and writers and is a good pick for a PD book club.
Cultivating Mindfulness in the Classroom by Jeanie Iberlin
What It’s About: The research behind mindfulness-based practices with children and a step-by-step process for teachers to establish their own classroom mindfulness program.
Why Teachers Should Read it: Read this book to foster a more compassionate classroom culture and help kids understand the benefits of mindfulness. Iberlin’s tips work well with any grade level and won’t just help the students–they contribute to teachers’ well being too. Mindfulness skills can have a lifelong positive impact, so read this book to make your classroom a more peaceful and mindful space.
The Big Test by Nicholas Lemann
What It’s About: A history of the rise of high-stakes testing in American public education.
Why Teachers Should Read it: When Lemann published this book twenty years ago, the notion that kids from working class families tended to score much lower on the SAT was groundbreaking. Yet, the SAT remains the gatekeeper to higher education despite its flaws. This book tells not just the history of standardized testing since 1933, but leads the reader to question the effectiveness of our national testing system.
Teachers and Machines: The Classroom Use of Technology Since 1920 by Larry Cuban
What It’s About: A history of technology including radio, film and television.
Why Teachers Should Read it: This book was published in 1986 but serves as a bookend for all the classroom technology developed since and the ways teachers and students use it. One persistent challenge is ensuring equal access to educational technology and giving all students the best competitive edge in today’s global economy.
Books About Diversity in Education
These books are for educators and teachers who are looking to expand their knowledge on diversity in education….
For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood: Reality Pedagogy and Urban Education by Christopher Emdin
What It’s About: How to implement “Reality Pedagogy” and other culturally responsive practices in your classroom.
Why Teachers Should Read it:Chris Emdin explores the inherent inequality of public education in America and how this affects students of color. After this scathing critique, Emdin offers hope for change through his Seven Cs of Reality Pedagogy in 2016. This book is ideal for anyone looking to learn real ways to bridge a cultural divide between teachers and students of different backgrounds.
Pushout by Monique Morris
What It’s About: The criminalization of black girls in schools and how to increase cultural sensitivity at school.
Why Teachers Should Read it: Morris, selected as a TEDWomen 2018 Speaker, provides powerful evidence of inequality discipline and behavior control. The result is a compelling mix of social science research, personal vignettes, interviews and statistics to help teachers understand what cultural sensitivity in discipline looks like and why it is needed.
Finding Joy in Teaching Students of Diverse Backgrounds: Culturally Responsive and Socially Just Practices in U.S. Classrooms by Sonia Nieto
What It’s About: The importance of celebrating diversity in your classroom.
Why Teachers Should Read it: If you are driven by issues of social justice and student advocacy, this book is for you. Sonia Nieto cuts through the academic jargon to remind teachers how important their role is in helping students of all backgrounds feel the power of community. First published in 2013, Nieto remains fresh and relevant in her content and suggestions.
The Rise and Fall of an Urban School System by Jeffrey Mirel
What It’s About: This book describes the rise and fall of the public school system in Detroit, and draws parallels between what happened in Detroit with what’s happening education in urban areas across America.
Why Teachers Should Read it: Mirel presents a meticulous history of the city and its education administration. When this book was published in 1983, we had no way to know Detroit would become the first American city to declare bankruptcy. In hindsight, we see that Mirel had excellent forecasting abilities. This book is a staple for anyone interested in avoiding mistakes in urban education.
Best Books for Elementary Teachers
These books are geared towards educators who teach at an elementary school level…
Troublemakers: Lessons in Freedom from Young Children at School by Carla Shalaby
What It’s About: Rethinking the label “troublemaker” to describe young children with disruptive behaviors.
Why Teachers Should Read it: This book provides a twenty-first century look at critical pedagogy and encourages teachers to value their students’ experiences and contributions. Shalaby gives readers four case studies of “troublemakers” to show how each child is unique and equally valuable. Perfect for new elementary teachers looking for ways to apply the concept of differentiated instruction.
The Curious Classroom by Harvey Daniels
What It’s About: Ways to incorporate student-led inquiry in the elementary classroom.
Why Teachers Should Read it: Daniels shares practical models and inspirational examples of inquiry-based learning from teachers across the country. This book has visual appeal too, complete with full page photographs of student inquiry in action. A companion study guide is available, making this book perfect for a PD study group.
Notice and Note by Kylene Beers and Bob Probst
What It’s About: Behavioral strategies for growing reading skills in K-4 students.
Why Teachers Should Read it: Beers and Probst provide ways to help your students be engaged and accomplished readers. They provide helpful strategies for teaching reading, such as pointing out “signposts” in the text which prompt students to pause and analyze. The companion Notice and Literature Log provides graphic organizers to help guide students into being careful readers.
The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child by Donalyn Miller
What It’s About: Helping children learn to love reading.
Why Teachers Should Read it: Since its publication in 2009, Donalyn Miller’s inspirational book has helped countless teachers and their students get in touch with their “inner reader.” Miller is a strong advocate of student choice in reading material and draws from substantial evidence to show that when kids have some choice, they will naturally develop a love of reading.
Conscious Discipline – Building Resilient Classrooms
What It’s About: Psychologist and child development expert Dr. Becky Bailey examines what compassionate discipline in the PreK classroom should look like.
Why Teachers Should Read it:Updated in 2015, this book retains the core principles which has made it a favorite among teachers of young children and incorporates recent research on social-emotional learning. This book provides real-world tactics for maintaining a resilient classroom.
Best Books for New Teachers
We recommend these books for new teachers in particular. Due to….
The First Days of School: How to be an Effective Teacher by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong
What It’s About: Strategies for classroom management from day one.
Why Teachers Should Read it: This indispensable book has been used in teacher training programs for years because it is so good. Wong emphasizes the importance of classroom procedures with clear expectations and consistent consequences. Even if you have been teaching for twenty years, it’s good to get a refresher on how kids crave routine. By investing time developing consistent in classroom procedures, teachers actually have more time and space for instruction.
Working with Parents by Ruby K. Payne
What It’s About: The importance of positive relationships with parents and guardians.
Why Teachers Should Read it: Ruby Paine, known for her work in teaching students from poverty, provides ways to build rapport with families. Since 2005 this book has provided good techniques for developing positive relationships with parents. These skills remain important in today’s political climate and as our awareness of culturally responsive practices have grown.
Why Didn’t I Learn this in College? by Paula Rutherford
What It’s About: Sound practices to bridge the gap between theory learned in college and practice in the K-12 classroom.
Why Teachers Should Read it: This book is ideal for a brand-new teacher looking for ways to plan his or her classroom or a veteran teacher looking to add structure. Since 2009 it too has become a staple of college classrooms and teachers’ bookshelves across the country. Includes a helpful collection of classroom-ready templates and tools.
The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Smarter and Faster by Michael Watkins
What It’s About: How you can avoid common pitfalls and maximize opportunities in the first three months of a new job.
Why Teachers Should Read it: While written for a broad audience, first-year teachers can definitely benefit from the general principles behind Watkins’ advice. The main ideas here-that careful planning and attention to detail in the first ninety days of any new gig will make or break your experience and impact-have kept Watkins’ books on bestseller lists since 2003.
Your First Year: How to Survive and Thrive as a New Teacher
What It’s About: A series of common challenges for first-year teachers and how to avoid them.
Why Teachers Should Read it: The Whitakers provide engaging stories from their own experiences along with practical advice, including the importance of consistent classroom procedures and rules. Since its publication in 2016, it has been clear that this one is a keeper.
Conclusion
Self-guided inquiry is the best professional development. This list of the best books for teachers in 2019 invites you to build your reading list with these inspirational stories, ideas for professional development, diversity in education and books for new teachers. Follow your reading and teaching interests and choose a book that reignites your passion for teaching.
FAQs
Who is the best teacher in the world 2022? ›
The White House last week honored high school history teacher Kurt Russell from Oberlin, Ohio, who in April was named 2022 National Teacher of the Year. Geoff Bennett recently spoke with Russell about why he chose teaching, what inspires his students and how the new recognition changes his approach to the job.
What books should I read as a teacher? ›- Leaders Eat Last. ...
- The Freedom Writers Diary. ...
- Visible Learning and the Science of How We Learn. ...
- Make It Stick. ...
- Why Don't Students Like School?: A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom.
- Empathize with your students. ...
- Be flexible at school and at home. ...
- Understand your role in students' lives. ...
- Find a mentor. ...
- Manage your classroom fairly and firmly. ...
- Ask for help, and learn from your mistakes.
- Contact an Office of Education. An Office of Education is a great place to begin. ...
- Talk teaching with your colleagues. ...
- Observe your colleagues teach. ...
- Connect with schoolteachers and schoolchildren.
...
Wednesday July 8, 2020.
Kurt Russell, a veteran high school history teacher in Oberlin, Ohio, was named the 2022 National Teacher of the Year on Tuesday by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).
What do great teachers do differently? ›Genuine caring and kindness; A willingness to share with students the responsibility involved in the classroom; Sincere sensitivity to students' diversity and the ability to make each child feel special; The motivation to provide meaningful learning opportunities for students; and.
What is a professional book? ›Professional books, papers, and equipment are defined as those specialized items that are personally owned by the employee, but are for the use in the performance of his or her official duties.
Where can I read educational books? ›- Wiki Books. This platform contains an open-content textbooks collection that anyone can edit easily.
- The Free Library. The Free Library is offers a wide range of periodicals, articles,publications, and many more.
- Read Print. ...
- Project Gutenberg. ...
- Many Books.
- sticky notes.
- tissues.
- a timer.
- manual pencil sharpener.
- clipboard.
- stapler.
- binder clips.
- dry erase markers.
What first year teachers should know? ›
- Classroom Management Is Key. ...
- Build a Classroom Community. ...
- More to Math than Measurements. ...
- Flexibility is Critical. ...
- There's No Manual. ...
- The Common Core Isn't Everything. ...
- Mentors (and Summers) Are Integral. ...
- Literacy Affects Everything.
There are a lot of tough jobs out there in the world, but some professions are also misunderstood, which only compounds the difficulty. Teaching is definitely a tough, misunderstood job.
What is the motto of teacher? ›Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together. Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. I am not a teacher, but an awakener. The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.
Who is the world famous teacher? ›Albert Einstein
He was rewarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 due to his outstanding work. He is surely one the Best Teachers In The World.
Have you ever wondered, “Who was the first teacher in the world?” It is believed that Confucius became the first teacher in the world. He was a private tutor who gave lessons on history.
Who won Teacher of the Year? ›Year | Person | School and Location |
---|---|---|
2019 | Rodney Robinson | Virgie Binford Education Center, Richmond Virginia |
2018 | Mandy Manning | Joel E. Ferris High School, Spokane, Washington |
2017 | Sydney Chaffee | Codman Academy Charter Public School, Boston, Massachusetts |
2016 | Jahana Hayes | John F. Kennedy High School, Waterbury, Connecticut |
They gain respect by treating students fairly, setting high expectations and being consistent with discipline. A Teacher of the Year goes beyond interacting with students on an instructional level and works to make sure their physical and emotional needs are met, as well.
What type of awards do teachers get? ›The National Award to Teachers are given away by the President of India on 5th September (Teacher's Day) every year to give public recognition to meritorious teachers working in primary, middle and secondary schools. The award was instituted in 1958.
What are the 7 principles of teaching? ›- Learners at the centre.
- The social nature of learning.
- Emotions are integral to learning.
- Recognising individual differences.
- Stretching all students.
- Assessment for learning.
- Building horizontal connections.
- Focus on the Subject Matter and the Students' Learning. ...
- Try Something New. ...
- Make Use of Tutoring. ...
- Improve Your Performance. ...
- Don't Be Afraid of Taking Risks. ...
- Present Better Content.
How do I become a popular teacher? ›
Be a positive influence
Ultimately, show you care about your students and encourage them to do better. Show an active involvement. Show that they can rely on you for support and that you are always there for them. Don't let them give up, motivate them to do better and give praise where praise is due.
Educational Books means Books that, when published, were intended primarily for sale to educational markets (i.e., K-12, higher education, continuing education, vocational, professional, self-study, and similar educational markets) for use in educational programs.
Where can I get free educational books? ›- Google eBookstore.
- Project Gutenberg.
- Open Library.
- Internet Archive.
- BookBoon.
- ManyBooks.net.
- Free eBooks.
- LibriVox.
- Open Library. The Open Library has more than 1 million free e-books available. ...
- Internet Archive. The Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library. ...
- Project Gutenberg. ...
- Google eBookstore. ...
- ManyBooks.net. ...
- BookBoon.
- First Book. First Book is a non-profit that provides new books and educational resources to schools and programs serving children in need, from birth to age 18. ...
- WNDB in the Classroom. ...
- Better World Books. ...
- Literacy Empowerment Foundation. ...
- Little Free Library. ...
- Multicultural Children's Book Day. ...
- Vooks. ...
- Epic!
So, what do teachers really want? It's simple, really—and fits every budget: notes of appreciation, school supplies and gift cards. Read on for specifics.
What can I buy for classroom money? ›Many teachers spend their classroom supply funds on basic items such as printer ink, pens, pencils, paper, paperclips, sticky notes, and staples. These types of supplies should really be supplied by the school. Classroom supply money should be dedicated to teaching materials.
What do teachers use? ›Pencils (colored & standard), pens, crayons, markers, notebook paper, tape, index cards, poster board, notebooks, folders, erasers, construction paper, and scissors. You'll probably come up with your own, personal list as well! Find more classroom supplies ideas.
What do new teachers struggle with? ›The difficult realities of teaching hit hard in your first few years. Standardized testing, paperwork, and extracurricular duties can be overwhelming. Learning to focus on the positive experiences can help you power through tough days.
What should teachers stop doing? ›- Holding their pee. ...
- Assigning daily homework. ...
- Punishing elementary students for being late to school. ...
- Asking kids what they did over break. ...
- Doing work after hours. ...
- Giving weekly spelling tests. ...
- Using classroom reward systems and treasure chests.
What is the first year of teaching called? ›
Your induction year usually begins with your first paid teaching post and will help you to develop your teaching skills, building on what you have learned during your training and providing you with more experience. When you have successfully completed induction you should be able to teach confidently in any school.
How do new teachers survive? ›- Don't Take Things Personal. ...
- Create Classroom Rules. ...
- Procedures and Routines. ...
- Be Ready to Learn. ...
- Collaborate with Your Colleagues. ...
- Plan, Plan, and Plan. ...
- Build Relationships with Your Students. ...
- Collaborate Well with Parents.
- Prepare Lessons in Advance.
- Time Management.
- Classroom Management Techniques.
- Monitor Student Progress.
- Keep Sight of Your Own Teaching Goals.
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Networking.
- Mentoring & Observation.
While being an educator is never without its struggles, the first year is by far the most challenging — pieced together with idealism, confusion, good intentions, excitement, fear, and expectations.
What is the hardest part of teaching? ›- Understanding the different learning challenges amongst students. ...
- Student family problems & bullying. ...
- Lack of funding. ...
- Lack of effective communication. ...
- Being encouraging and motivating under challenging times. ...
- Disciplining students. ...
- Endless paperwork & extended working hours.
Increased teaching shortages during the 2020-2021 academic year have heightened the demand for quality teachers heading into 2022. If you have been considering a career in teaching, now is the ideal time to work toward that goal.
Is teaching harder than nursing? ›Nursing is typically seen as being harder and more stressful than Teaching. Stress and difficulty are caused by working long and demanding shifts. Both Nurses and Teachers have an enormous responsibility for the well-being of their patients and students.
What is teacher in one word? ›a person who teaches or instructs, especially as a profession; instructor.
What is the full form of teacher? ›There are many full forms that can be found on different websites. TEACHER: Talented- Educated-Adorable-Charming-Helpful-Encouraging-Responsible. TEACHER: Tenacious-Encouraging-Amazing-Character-Harmony-Efficient-Reliable. TEACHER: Trained -Efficient-Able-Cheerful- Honest -Enthusiastic-Resourceful.
What is the best teacher quote? ›"Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher." "Your heart is slightly larger than the average human heart, but that's because you're a teacher." "Teachers can change lives with the right mix of chalk and challenges." "Teaching is the greatest act of optimism."
How can a teacher overcome shyness? ›
- Remember everyone's in the same boat.
- There's no such thing as a stupid question.
- Set yourself small goals.
- Look out for others.
- Be yourself.
- Practice Mindfulness. ...
- Seek Companionship and Inspiration. ...
- Care for Yourself. ...
- Prepare and Plan Ahead. ...
- Change Your Mind-Set.
Parents are the one responsible for providing the needs of their children like love, attention, support, material things and most of all knowledge. Parents are indeed the best teachers of their children; they give knowledge in several ways.
Who is the best teacher in India 2022? ›He said he is working in the education sector to improve the lives of poor people. A secondary grade teacher Ramachandran, in a Panchayat Union Primary School of Bogalur Union at Keelambur, will be conferred the National Best Teacher Award 2022 on Teachers Day.
Who is first teacher in the world? ›Have you ever wondered, “Who was the first teacher in the world?” It is believed that Confucius became the first teacher in the world. He was a private tutor who gave lessons on history.
What country has the best teachers? ›China, the country where teachers have the highest status, compared them to doctors. In general, teachers in Eastern countries had higher status than in Western countries, including the United States.
How do I become a popular teacher? ›Be a positive influence
Ultimately, show you care about your students and encourage them to do better. Show an active involvement. Show that they can rely on you for support and that you are always there for them. Don't let them give up, motivate them to do better and give praise where praise is due.
It is often said that there is no better teacher than life itself and what better way to say a big thank you for all the learnings that life throws at us, than being appreciative of these valuable lessons that makes us who we are. Learning by doing, or not doing!
Who is the strictest teacher in the world? ›Katharine Birbalsingh CBE | |
---|---|
Education | Victoria Park Collegiate Institute |
Alma mater | University of Oxford (BA) |
Occupation | Head teacher |
Employer(s) | Michaela Community School Social Mobility Commission Dunraven School |
Mother is the first teacher of a child. A child develops a close connection with his/her mother. Mother teaches child basic values and behaviour. A child learns to speak the way the mother teaches him/her.
How mother is the best teacher? ›
Mothers are life-givers; they teach you to walk without support, hold you when you fall, and understand you when the world doesn't. A mother plays the role of a child's first teacher, and her teachings will guide you throughout your journey of life.
Who is the richest teacher in world? ›Dan Jewett Just Became the World's Richest Teacher (and We're Only a Little Jealous) One of the world's richest women just married a science teacher.
Who is No 1 teacher of India? ›Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
He was a major advocate of education. He believed that a student, apart from holding a mere academic degree, should hone his personal skills and calibre to carve a bright career and life. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is still considered as the best teacher in India by many.
Two teachers from Karnataka have got the National Teachers Award-2022 from the Union Ministry of Education. G. Ponsankari, Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), Tumakuru, and Umesh T.P., GLPS, Amruthapura, Chitradurga district, are the two teachers. Ms.
Who was the first female teacher? ›She also enrolled herself in two teacher's training programs; the first was at institution run by an American missionary, Cynthia Farrar, in Ahmednagar, and the second course was at a Normal School in Pune. Given her training, Savitribai may have been the first Indian woman teacher and headmistress.
Who is the first female teacher in the world? ›The woman who helped set up the first school for girls in India. Savitribai Phule was a trailblazer in providing education for girls and for ostracized portions of society. She became the first female teacher in India (1848) and opened a school for girls with her husband, Jyotirao Phule.
Who is known as the father of education? ›Known as the “father of American education,” Horace Mann (1796–1859), a major force behind establishing unified school systems, worked to establish a varied curriculum that excluded sectarian instruction.