2018 is *almost* over and although I can barely believe this year has gone by so fast, I’m already starting to think about 2019 and it’s endless possibilities! Today I’m sharing some of my Must Reads for teachers in the new year. Whether you’re ready to recharge your battery, make your home and classroom feel cozy, restock your teaching toolbox, or better your teaching diverse populations practice, these books are a must for a teacher wanting to have their best year ever! Check out these seven must-reads books for teachers in the new year!
Please note this post contains affiliate links. If you do follow my links, please know that I do make a small commission from your purchase. This extra coinage helps to feed my book addiction.
1. Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
Look anywhere on teacher social media and you’ll see the words “Culturally Responsive Teaching” being thrown around with the same gumption and furry as “rigor” and ” fidelity”. But what does this type of teaching even mean?
Unlike rigor and fidelity, this style of teaching is actually designed to help you teach the students sitting in your classroom! Check out this book by Zaretta Hammond as she guides you through promoting authentic learning engagement amount culturally diverse students. This is not a “in theory” book. Zaretta uses cutting edge neuroscience research to give you an innovative approach to closing the achievement gap.
Check it out here on Amazon!
2. The Reading Strategies Book
This Reading Strategies book has been hailed as the “Teaching Reading Bible” by some teachers and for good reason! Jennifer Serravallo works to guide you through EVERYTHING you’ll need in developing skilled readers!
Jennifer doesn’t just stop at Reading Strategies either, she’s extended her practices in writing as well (And you know we Teachers LOVE a matching set!) LOL! Just to add to the powerhouse, this past summer, Jennifer launched a new book, Understanding Texts and Readers. All three have skyrocketed to the best sellers lists!
Check out The Reading Strategies Book here and her Writing Strategies Book here! Snag the Understanding Texts and Readers book here (perfect for intervention!)
3. Whiskey in a Teacup
So I know what you’re thinking… why is Reese Witherspoon being mentioned as a “must read” for teachers. Well… sometimes our reading needs to involve genres other than “educational literature”.
This southern style book includes recipes, style tips, and heartfelt stories from the queen of southern Hollywood herself. Consider it as warm tea for your “not teacher” soul.
Grab it up here! (Also, makes a perfect gift idea!)
4. Homebody
Ok… another “non-teaching” related book designed to feed your wanna be designer soul. Just imagine designing your house (or classroom) using tips you picked up from Joanna Gaines! YES PLEASE!
“Homebody” is a guide to designing spaces you’ll never want to leave (or in the case of your classroom, places you never seem to leave) If you’re not so much into the design tips, you know you’ll at least enjoy the beautiful spaces presented in this
Want more beautiful ideas? Check out The Home Edit’s book dropping this spring! Let’s just say organization has never been so easy (or beautiful!)
5. The Hate You Give
Made into a major motion picture this past fall, The Hate U Give follows the story Starr Carter as she moves between two very different worlds.
But, after Starr witnesses a fatal shooting, her entire world is rocked to the core.
Read this “of the moment” book and understand why, “This story is necessary. This story is important”
Download the Kindle version or paperback here.
6. Talk to Me
In education, communication is one of the most important qualities for an teacher. Lack of the right words can spell disaster for a teacher trying to help their students achieve.
Teacher, author, and cofounder of Ron Clark Academy, Kim Bearden recognizes the difficulty in finding the right words to inspire, encourage, and ultimately move people to “get things” done… and has written a book about it!
7. These 6 Things: How to Focus Your Teaching on What Matter Most
In the education world, EVERYTHING is important, making it difficult to focus on anything!
This book, written by Dave Stuart Jr, helps educators focus on the six most important things in their classrooms. In this book, you’ll learn how to streamline your practice so that you’re teaching smarter, not harder, and kids are learning, doing, and flourishing.
Not just an abstract guide filled with fluff, this book offers practical strategies, solutions, and suggestions for some of the most common teacher problems!
Check it out on Amazon!
So whether you’re looking to start 2019 inspired, refreshed, or more culturally aware, these are my top picks for must read books for teachers this new year! Have a favorite book I didn’t mention? Comment below so we can check it out!
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