Benjamin Franklin famously said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn”. A lot is asked of teachers. You need to be emotionally as well as academically intelligent, a leader who knows when to take a backseat, a motivator when your own motivation isn’t always there, you’re vulnerably building trust while trying to see the best in others, you’re understanding the world while shaping the future of it. Learning from other educators and leaders is essential to maintain best practices and ensure you’re getting the most out of your students, and books are a great place to start. Here are 10 to work your way through.
Leaders Eat Last
Simon Sinek
Because inspiring cooperation and change for your students by helping them work together is a critical way to engage younger generations.
The Freedom Writers Diary
Erin Gruwell (and Freedom Writers)
Because if you cried during the 2007 film adaptation, “Freedom Writers”, then you’re probably a teacher who really cares and will probably enjoy the book even more.
Visible Learning and the Science of How We Learn
Gregory C. R. Yates and John Hattie
Because presenting the largest collection of research into what actually works in schools to improve children’s learning is pretty much a must-read for an educator.
Make It Stick
Henry L. Roediger III, Mark A. McDaniel, and Peter C Brown
Because becoming more productive learners, based on cognitive psychology, doesn’t always align with typical study habits and practice routines.
Why Don’t Students Like School?: A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom
Daniel T. Willingham
Because using a biological and cognitive basis of learning to apply scientifically-validated approaches for engaging students is never a bad place to start.
How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character
Paul Tough
Because what if a good performance in school exams doesn’t lead to success later on in life? Uncover the science behind curiosity, character, and adversity.
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
Daniel H. Pink
Because human motivation is largely intrinsic and can be divided into autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Learn how to tap into each to engage every student.
What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers Across America
Ted Dintersmith
Because speaking to teachers about what schools could be is a great first step towards creating the type of schools that benefit everyone.
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
Beverly Daniel Tatum
Because students connect with peers who have similar experiences to their own, to serve as a protective force, and teachers need to be aware of these silent buffers and how they influence motivation.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
James Clear
Because we don’t get better all at once – we need to work at it each day, and by creating tiny little habits each day, we write an unwritten contract with ourselves for improvement.