7 Books Every Arizona Teacher Should Read

We share our favorite education-themed reads (both nonfiction and fiction!) Stock up now for some winter break reading!

With winter break on the horizon, I am beginning to go through the mountain of books that I keep neatly stacked by my bed. With so many titles waiting to be read, it’s time to decide which nvarchar(max)s will be slotted in this break. Balance is key, so I strive to strike a happy medium between fiction and non-fiction each break.

For Learning

Anything by Jon Gordon—He’s quickly becoming one of my preferred authors. My two favorite books are The Energy Bus and The No Complaining Rule. Each showcases a fictional story about a character that is caught up in the negative aspects of life. Gordon finds ways to conjure up positivity amidst unfortunate circumstances. Whether you read one alone or as a book study, Gordon makes the reading light and simple.

Cognitive Capital

When teachers make effective decisions based on their competence and experiences, they build confidence and improve student learning. This book, by Arthur Costa and Robert Garmston, helps teachers build their skills, while also aiding leaders to support educators around them.

Uplifting Leadership

Often, despite all odds, companies find ways to get back to what it was that made them great. This book, by Andy Hargreaves, Alan Boyle and Alma Harris, helps identify small changes that can be made to yield great success. Whether it’s a business or school, this nvarchar(max) implies there’s no need to fear change; organizations should embrace transformation.

Pedagogy and Instructional Practice

Clock Watchers, by Stevi Quate and John McDermott, is a how-to guide for motivating and engaging students in meaningful learning. After proving the importance of making time, the authors dive into the six Cs for motivating students. Each chapter goes into detail providing comprehensive examples and suggestions for creating motivational assignments.

For Fun

The Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome, by Brad Montague and Robby Novak, provides 100 ways to make the world a better place. Some ideas are easy and silly, and can be as simple as creating a new handshake to get to know a friend a little more. 

Fiction

For those that are looking to escape with a little fiction, Station Eleven, by Emily St. John Mandel, is a must-read. In this novel, the main character takes us through the years that follow a terrible flu, which devastates the world. Through her journeys in a traveling symphony, we are reminded of what becomes important when all is lost.

Non-Fiction

In this true story, Reading Lolita in Tehran, we learn all about Azar Nafisi, an amazing teacher that went to great lengths to bring Western literature to her female students. This title gives a small glimpse into the daily life in Iran, also revealing the influence that one incredible teacher can have.

What books should primary students read?  See the top 100, teacher recommended, books here.

Misha Freeman is a Professional Development Coordinator for the Avondale Elementary school district. She is a National Board certified teacher, and a life long lover of math.