Without a doubt, these five books will reignite the teacher within you and get you fired up for the upcoming year, or motivate you to keep going! This list is in no particular order, as each is included for its own unique qualities. Therefore, be sure to make it all the way to the end of the list!
1. The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules For Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child
This guide by Ron Clark details his 55 essential rules for student success. I recommend everything by Ron Clark, but you absolutely must start with this! This is one you may want to read more than once when preparing for the upcoming school year, and keep a notebook by your side! There are numerous (55 to be exact) wonderful ideas that you will surely want to incorporate into your own practice in one way or another.
2. The End of Molasses Classes: Getting Our Kids Unstuck-101 Extraordinary Solutions for Parents and Teachers
Can you tell I love Ron Clark? Because, I love Ron Clark. Oh-my-lanta do I love this book. Ron Clark started out teaching fifth grade, and eventually opened his own middle school. Even if you teach littles such as I, there is still so much that you can use and modify in this book. It really gets the wheels turning and ambitions soaring!
3. Jonathon
This novel by Jo Ann Burroughs is incredibly soul mending. It is not about practices or strategies, so you do not need to worry about keeping notes. Instead, this quick read will remind you why you became a teacher. The story of a little boy named Jonathon is a combination of the true story of a little boy Mrs. Burroughs bonded with as a school principle, as well as other events that happened during Mrs. Burroughs' tenure in education. While heart-wrenching at times, this story will surely inspire you to make a difference.
4. The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism
This account by Naoki Higashida gives a unique insight into the life of a student with autism. Difficulties with communication is one of the trademark signs of autism. Therefore, it is amazing how this young man is able to explain how he, and so many others with autism, deal with the unique challenges this disorder presents. If you are working with a child with autism, THIS IS A MUST-READ.
5. Paper Tigers
Okay, this isn't a book. It is however, an AMAZING documentary on the effects of childhood trauma, or ACE's. No matter where you teach, or what population of children you work with, THIS IS NECESSARY. It is amazing to see how the circumstances a child is raised in literally affects the child's brain chemistry. This documentary led me to a whole new understanding for these students, as well as deepened my reservoir for patience when working with students who have behavioral episodes. Also, if you have Amazon Prime, it is FREE to watch!
I hope you stuck it out with us to the end! If you have read or seen any of these, be sure to tell us what you think!
