The best 31 Teacher books

Fahrenheit 451 (1953) tells the tale of a near future with fireproof homes, where firemen are now tasked with the job of burning books. It’s a dystopian future, where pleasure is catered to and intellectualism has been all but extinguished. But after a chance encounter with a free spirit, one fireman starts to question the true purpose of his job.

The Freedom Writers Diary (1999) chronicles the journey of students at Wilson High School in California and their English teacher. From their freshman year in the fall of 1994 to graduation in the spring of 1998, the teens learned about and stood up to countless social issues, transforming from so-called “unteachable, at-risk students” into the self-dubbed “Freedom Writers.” Their book recounts their collective experiences, struggles, and triumphs.

Teaching with Poverty in Mind by Eric Jensen addresses the impact of poverty on education and offers practical strategies for educators to support students living in poverty. The book explores the effects of poverty on students' cognitive development and behavior, and provides insights into creating a positive learning environment for all students.

Teaching with Love and Logic by Jim Fay and David Funk offers practical strategies for educators to create a positive and respectful learning environment. By combining love and logic, the book provides techniques to help teachers effectively manage classroom behavior and empower students to take responsibility for their own actions. It emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with students and guiding them towards making good choices.

'Punished by Rewards' challenges the widely accepted belief that rewards are effective motivators. Alfie Kohn argues that rewards, such as praise, grades, and incentives, can actually decrease intrinsic motivation and hinder performance. Through thought-provoking research and real-life examples, Kohn offers a compelling case for reevaluating our use of rewards in parenting, education, and the workplace.

The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease is a comprehensive guide to the benefits and techniques of reading aloud to children. It provides valuable insights into the importance of this practice in developing a child's literacy skills and love for books. With practical tips and a wealth of book recommendations, this book is a must-read for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about nurturing a lifelong love of reading in children.

Savage Inequalities (1991) by Jonathan Kozol explores the stark differences in funding and resources between public schools in affluent and low-income communities in the United States. Through extensive research and personal anecdotes, Kozol sheds light on the systemic inequalities that perpetuate educational disadvantage for marginalized students.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2003) by Mark Haddon is a captivating novel that offers a unique perspective on the world. Through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy with autism, it delves into themes of family, truth, and the power of perspective. The book takes readers on a thought-provoking journey as it unravels the mystery surrounding a neighbor's murdered dog.

The Reading Strategies Book by Jennifer Serravallo offers a comprehensive collection of instructional strategies and techniques to support students in developing their reading skills. With practical tips and examples, this book is a valuable resource for educators looking to enhance their teaching practices and improve students' reading proficiency.

180 Days by Kelly Gallagher and Penny Kittle is a practical guide for teachers looking to transform their students' reading and writing abilities. The book offers a wealth of strategies and lesson plans designed to engage students in meaningful literacy activities over the course of a school year. With a focus on building a reading and writing community, 180 Days provides educators with the tools they need to create a dynamic and effective classroom environment.

Letters to a Young Teacher is a heartfelt and inspiring book by Jonathan Kozol. Through a series of letters, Kozol shares his wisdom and experiences with a new teacher, offering guidance and encouragement. He delves into the challenges and joys of teaching, and advocates for a more compassionate and equitable education system. It's a must-read for both aspiring and experienced educators.

The First Six Weeks of School by Responsive Classroom is a practical guide for teachers to establish a positive and productive learning environment in the early weeks of the school year. Focusing on building a sense of community, setting expectations, and teaching social and academic skills, this book offers valuable strategies and activities to help both new and experienced educators create a successful start to the school year.

What Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd Whitaker explores the key practices and mindset shifts that set exceptional teachers apart. Drawing on real-life examples and research, the book offers practical strategies for creating a positive and effective classroom environment, building strong relationships with students, and continuously improving as an educator. It's a valuable resource for both new and experienced teachers looking to make a difference in their students' lives.

Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess challenges educators to bring excitement and passion into their teaching. The book provides practical strategies and inspiring stories to help teachers create engaging and memorable learning experiences for their students. Drawing on the principles of passion, immersion, rapport, ask and analyze, transformation, and enthusiasm (P.I.R.A.T.E), Burgess shows how to inject creativity and energy into every lesson.

The Teacher Wars by Dana Goldstein explores the history of teaching in America and the various debates and conflicts that have shaped the profession. From the early days of public education to the present, Goldstein delves into issues such as teacher training, standardized testing, and the role of unions, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing educators today.

For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood... and the Rest of Y'all Too by Christopher Emdin is a thought-provoking book that challenges traditional teaching methods and offers practical strategies for educators working in urban schools. Through personal anecdotes and research, Emdin addresses the need for culturally responsive teaching and advocates for a more inclusive and empowering approach to education.

The Essential 55 by Ron Clark is a guidebook for teachers and parents that outlines 55 rules for students to follow in order to succeed in school and in life. Filled with inspiring stories and practical tips, it offers valuable lessons on discipline, respect, and responsibility.

Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen challenges the way history is taught in American schools. The book uncovers the half-truths and outright falsehoods that are often presented as facts in history textbooks. Through extensive research and analysis, Loewen reveals the distorted narratives and hidden perspectives that shape our understanding of the past. A thought-provoking read that urges us to question what we think we know about history.

'The English Teacher's Companion' by Jim Burke offers practical and inspiring strategies for English teachers at all levels. With a focus on student-centered learning and effective classroom management, this book provides valuable insights, lesson ideas, and resources to help educators create a supportive and engaging learning environment for their students.

I Read It, but I Don't Get It by Cris Tovani is a helpful guide for educators and parents who want to support struggling readers. The book offers practical strategies to improve reading comprehension and provides insights into the challenges that students face when trying to make sense of what they read. Tovani's real-life examples and actionable tips make this book a valuable resource for anyone involved in teaching or mentoring young readers.

Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire by Rafe Esquith is an inspiring book that offers practical advice and real-life stories from a dedicated teacher. Esquith shares his unconventional methods and passion for teaching, encouraging educators to go above and beyond to make a difference in their students' lives. It challenges the traditional approach to education and provides valuable insights for both new and experienced teachers.

Teach Like a Champion provides practical strategies and techniques for teachers to create a positive and engaging classroom environment. Written by Doug Lemov, this book offers insights and actionable tips to help educators improve their teaching skills and enhance student learning. It is a valuable resource for both new and experienced teachers.

Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller is a comprehensive guide for elementary teachers on how to teach reading comprehension effectively. Miller emphasizes the importance of creating a meaningful and engaging reading environment, and provides practical strategies for helping students develop deep comprehension skills. With real-life examples and classroom anecdotes, this book offers valuable insights for educators looking to enhance their reading instruction.

The Things They Carried is a powerful book by Tim O'Brien that tells the story of a group of soldiers during the Vietnam War. Blurring the line between fiction and memoir, it delves into the emotional and psychological weight that soldiers carry with them. Through gripping storytelling, O'Brien takes readers on a journey that examines the realities of war and the burden of memory.

The Death and Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch is a thought-provoking book that challenges the current education reform movement in the United States. Ravitch draws on her expertise and research to argue against policies such as standardized testing, charter schools, and privatization, offering alternative solutions to improve the quality of education for all students.

Reading in the Wild by Donalyn Miller is a guide to nurturing lifelong reading habits in children. Drawing on her own experiences as a teacher and extensive research, Miller offers practical strategies for creating a reading environment that encourages independence, choice, and a love for books. This book is a valuable resource for educators and parents who want to inspire a generation of passionate readers.

The Courage to Teach by Parker J. Palmer is a thought-provoking book that explores the inner landscape of a teacher's life. Drawing on his own experiences and insights, Palmer delves into the challenges and joys of teaching, and offers a powerful vision of teaching as a deeply human endeavor. Through reflective and beautifully written prose, the book inspires educators to reexamine their beliefs and practices, and to find the courage to teach with authenticity and integrity.

Choice Words by Peter H. Johnston explores the power of language in shaping students' identities and learning experiences. Through thought-provoking examples and insights, the book offers practical strategies for educators to use language intentionally to foster a positive and empowering classroom environment.

On Writing by Stephen King is a part memoir, part writing guide that offers invaluable advice and insights for aspiring writers. King shares his own journey as a writer, along with practical tips and techniques to improve your craft. With wit and wisdom, this book is a must-read for anyone passionate about storytelling.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is a captivating coming-of-age novel that follows a young Native American boy named Junior as he navigates life on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Filled with humor, honesty, and heartache, Junior's diary entries offer a unique perspective on identity, friendship, and the pursuit of a better future.

This book explores the systemic factors that push black girls out of the education system and into the juvenile justice system. Drawing on interviews and research, Monique W. Morris sheds light on the unique challenges and biases faced by black girls in schools, and offers solutions for creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. It is a powerful and eye-opening examination of the intersection of race and gender in education.