Top 10 Cornerstone Books in my Professional Library
Leaders are Readers. Readers are Leaders
Those that have seen my office at home or at school, or have looked at my nightstand or iPad ibooks library know that books are an important part of my life. I read veraciously articles, books, twitter, and journals. My focus is both on professional reading and books for personal joy. I have seasons in my life that I read more frequently and can devour multiple books in a week (or day) and than other seasons that require more time for me to complete a book. That being said, when thinking about all the literature I’ve consumed in recent years, I wanted to reflect on the 10 best books related to education (in my opinion). Whereas there are many more valuable books on my shelves, these 10 have each had their hand in molding, shaping and developing my philosophy and approach to teaching, instruction, and leadership.
1. Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess
This has been a game changer for my staff and me. The book details how to increase student engagement through various instructional hooks. TLAP reinforces the art of teaching as the cornerstone of education and focuses on the presentation of a lesson in congruence with content knowledge and curriculum.
I was able to guest moderate a twitter TLAP chat on 10.05.2015 that you can read at https://dunlapgradeschool.edublogs.org/2015/10/06/teach-like-a-pirate-twitter-chat-10-05-2015/.
I also reflected on the opportunity to meet with and learn from Mr. Burgess at https://dunlapgradeschool.edublogs.org/2015/10/01/finding-the-spark-lighting-a-flame/
2. Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller
This book has framed the way we embed reading into our culture at Dunlap Grade School. It has also driven the way I lead my daughters as readers. You can read more at https://dunlapgradeschool.edublogs.org/?s=book+whisperer
3. What Connected Educators Do Differently: by Todd Whitaker, Jeffery Zoul and Jimmy Casas
Twitter and other social media outlets are powerful tools for professional learning and growing. In addition, being a connected educator models digital citizenship for students and teachers. You can read my book review at https://dunlapgradeschool.edublogs.org/?s=what+connected
4. Read, Write, Lead by Regie Routman
Regie has written several books about literacy instruction and coaching. All of her books are worth a read!
5. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Women in leadership has its own barriers, obstacles and celebrations. Lean In validates these concerns and celebrates the barriers women have overcome to be successful in the workplace.
6. Whole Brain Teaching for Challenging Kids by Chris Biffle
An absolute must read for classroom management and student engagement. This is beneficial for novice and veteran teachers. You can read my book review at https://dunlapgradeschool.edublogs.org/?s=whole+brain+teaching
7. Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome by Robby Novak and Brad Montague
Sometimes we just need the honest truth about how we should treat each other and spread awesomeness through the world. Kid President hits it on the head. I purchased this book for my staff as a morale booster and appreciation gift. My book review is at https://dunlapgradeschool.edublogs.org/?s=kid+president
8. Learn Like a Pirate by Paul Solarz
From the same consulting company as Teach Like a Pirate; Learn Like a Pirate focuses on developing a collaborative culture that is student led and promotes self-efficacy and determination.
Not all inspiration in my professional library comes from non-fiction text. I’ve been inspired by two books in particular. “Fish in a Tree” and “Wonder.” Both books I have shared with my staff. They have a strong focus on celebrating differences, developing empathy, and fostering a love for unique differences.
9. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Every educator should read this book! My book review is at https://dunlapgradeschool.edublogs.org/?s=fish+in+a+tree
10. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
