The best 32 Teaching books

Educating Esme is a memoir by Esmé Raji Codell that chronicles her experiences as a first-year teacher in a challenging inner-city school. Through a series of journal entries, Codell shares the highs and lows of her teaching journey, offering insights into the education system and the power of connecting with students. It is a heartfelt and inspiring account of one teacher's dedication to making a difference in the lives of her students.

In "White Teacher," Vivian Gussin Paley shares her experiences as a white teacher in a predominantly black kindergarten classroom. She reflects on the challenges and complexities of race, identity, and education, offering valuable insights and lessons for educators and parents alike. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful analysis, Paley encourages us to confront our own biases and strive for a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.

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.

This book explores the intersection of neuroscience and culturally responsive teaching, offering practical strategies for educators to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all students. Drawing on research and real-life examples, Zaretta Lynn Hammond provides insights into how students' cultural backgrounds and experiences can impact their learning, and offers tools to help teachers leverage this knowledge to support their students' academic success. It is a valuable resource for educators looking to enhance their teaching practices and promote equity in the classroom.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

Essential Questions by Jay McTighe is a thought-provoking book that delves into the concept of essential questions and their role in education. McTighe explores how essential questions can spark curiosity, promote critical thinking, and guide students towards deeper understanding. With practical examples and strategies, this book offers valuable insights for educators looking to enhance their teaching and engage students in meaningful learning experiences.

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.

Why Don't Students Like School? by Daniel T. Willingham delves into the cognitive science behind learning and offers insights into how educators can create engaging and effective learning environments. Willingham challenges common assumptions about teaching and learning, providing practical strategies for educators to better understand and address the needs of their students.

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.

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.

'Teaching to Transgress' by bell hooks is a thought-provoking exploration of education and the power dynamics within the classroom. Drawing from her own experiences as an educator and feminist, hooks challenges traditional teaching methods and advocates for a more inclusive and liberating approach to learning. She encourages educators to engage in critical thinking and create a space that allows students to express their unique perspectives and experiences.

Teacher Man is a memoir by Frank McCourt that delves into his experiences as a high school teacher in New York City. With humor and insight, McCourt reflects on the challenges and joys of being an educator, and shares the valuable lessons he learned along the way. It offers a unique perspective on the world of teaching and the impact one person can have on the lives of students.

Whole Brain Teaching for Challenging Kids by Chris Biffle offers a unique approach to teaching that aims to engage all parts of a student's brain. Focusing on techniques such as mirroring, gestures, and call-and-response, the book provides practical strategies for managing and instructing challenging students in a way that promotes active learning and participation.

Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner explores the concept of achieving a state of effortless and creative musical expression. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, the book delves into the psychological and spiritual aspects of music-making, offering valuable insights for musicians and artists looking to tap into their full potential.

English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy is a comprehensive guide to English grammar for intermediate learners. It provides clear explanations, examples, and practice exercises to help improve your grammar skills. Whether you're studying on your own or in a classroom, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to master the intricacies of the English language.

G Is for Googol by David M. Schwartz is a fun and educational book that introduces children to the world of mathematics. Through engaging explanations and colorful illustrations, it explores various mathematical concepts from A to Z. From algebra to zero, this book makes learning math an enjoyable adventure for young readers.

Guitar Scales Handbook by Damon Ferrante is a comprehensive guide to mastering the essential scales used in guitar playing. It provides detailed explanations, exercises, and practical tips to help guitarists understand and apply scales in their music. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this book is an invaluable resource for improving your skills and musical knowledge.

Positive Mindset Journal for Teachers by Grace Stevens offers a collection of prompts, exercises, and inspirational quotes to help educators cultivate a positive outlook and mindset. This journal provides a space for reflection, goal-setting, and gratitude, empowering teachers to navigate challenges and find joy in their profession.

The Missing Method for Guitar by Christian J. Triola is a comprehensive guide that fills the gap in traditional guitar education. Through a systematic approach, it teaches guitarists how to read standard notation, unlocking a whole new world of musical possibilities. With clear explanations and practical exercises, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their guitar playing skills.

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.

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.