By Jamie Johnston
Essential Reads for Teachers
As teachers, our time is precious, especially during the summer when we have a rare opportunity to reflect, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming academic year.
Think of this list of books as a carefully cultivated garden—each entry is a seed that can grow into a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, depending on how you nurture it. Choose wisely and invest your time in the resources that resonate most with your interests and professional goals.
1. Teaching the Last Backpack Generation
- Author/Creator: Zachary Walker
- Type: Book
- Themes/Topics: Digital-Native Students, Engagement Strategies, Modern Teaching Challenges
- Link: Find here
- One-line synopsis: Strategies for engaging and teaching the digital-native generation.
- Why you should consume: Understand the unique challenges and opportunities in teaching students who have grown up with technology.
2. My Secret EdTech Diary
- Author/Creator: Al Kingsley
- Type: Book
- Themes/Topics: EdTech Evolution, Personal Journey, Future Trends
- Link: Find here
- One-line synopsis: A personal journey through the evolution of educational technology.
- Why you should consume: Gain insights into the practical applications and future trends in EdTech from an industry veteran.
3. Putting Staff First
- Author/Creator: Jonny Uttley and John Tomsett
- Type: Book
- Themes/Topics: Staff Well-being, Educational Leadership, School Improvement
- Link: Find here
- One-line synopsis: Advocates for prioritising the well-being and professional development of teachers to improve educational outcomes.
- Why you should consume: Emphasizes the importance of supporting educators to create a positive and effective learning environment for students.
4. Rosenshine’s Principles in Action
- Author/Creator: Tom Sherrington
- Type: Article and Book
- Themes/Topics: Instructional Principles, Teaching Effectiveness, Research-Based Strategies
- Link: Find here
- One-line synopsis: An in-depth guide to applying Barak Rosenshine’s educational principles in the classroom.
- Why you should consume: Provides practical strategies for implementing research-based teaching principles to improve instructional effectiveness and student outcomes.
5. Teaching WalkThrus
- Author/Creator: Tom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli
- Type: Book
- Themes/Topics: Teaching Strategies, Instructional Techniques, Visual Learning
- Link: Find here
- One-line synopsis: Visual step-by-step guides for effective teaching strategies.
- Why you should consume: Improve your instructional techniques with clear and actionable walkthroughs.
6. The ResearchED Guide to Education Myths
- Author/Creator: Various Authors
- Type: Book
- Themes/Topics: Education Myths, Evidence-Based Practices, Teaching Strategies
- Link: Find here
- One-line synopsis: Debunking common myths in education.
- Why you should consume: Equip yourself with evidence-based practices to counteract prevalent misconceptions.
7. The Gift of Failure
- Author/Creator: Jessica Lahey
- Type: Book
- Themes/Topics: Resilience, Parenting, Education
- Link: Find here
- One-line synopsis: Encourages parents and educators to allow children to experience failure as a critical part of their learning and growth.
- Why you should consume: Provides valuable lessons on fostering resilience and independence in students, crucial for their long-term success.
As you delve into these books, remember that the ultimate goal is to enhance the learning experience for your students and to grow as an educator. Embrace the opportunities presented by new technologies, be open to new ideas, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different approaches. The future of education is bright, and with the right tools and mindset, you can help shape it.
Enjoy your summer reading, and may it inspire you to bring fresh, innovative perspectives to your classroom in the coming year.
