Best Books for English Teachers: Professional Development

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Most teachers read professional development books during the summer months. sometimes groups of educators meet and address them as part of a school-wide or department-wide book study during the school year. Regardless of when you read them, the most common question usually revolves around what to read. I surveyed some practicing educators and put together a list of the best books for English teachers. professional development books can take a long time to read. These are books that we have found to be worth the investment of time.

working on canon

You are reading: Best books for english teachers

Have you ever had trouble making required texts relevant to middle or high school students? wondering if the classics still have a place or not? workshopping the canon offers some practical ideas for modernizing traditional secondary school curricula. if you want to work on combining classic literature with other texts to create a workshop approach, this book is very helpful! covers the basics of reading and writing workshops, such as read alouds, independent reading, shared reading, book discussions, mini-lessons, mentor texts, lectures, and more.

teach like a pirate

This book has been in my library for a while, but it’s one I always go back to when I need inspiration for a new lesson plan. Julie from Julie’s Classroom Stories says that Teaching Like a Pirate is one of the best books for English teachers. “He is enthusiastic and hands-on. I may be a pirate at heart, so maybe that’s why this book is my jam.” If you’re looking for engaging ideas, lesson hooks, creative approaches, or a renewed energy to teach, try this one.

visible learning for literacy

lauralee from the language arts classroom recommends visible learning for literacy. “It breaks down ideas and teaching methods with research. educators can see what is (and is not) the most effective practice for a given instance. I refer to this book weekly. You’ll love this book if you value teaching insights based on extensive research. visible learning for literacy identifies literacy practices that have the greatest impact on student learning.

deep reading

I am also a proponent of this book’s recommendation of liz to teach between the lines. Liz relates, “Kelly Gallagher’s Deep Reading has had a profound impact on the way I teach my students to read and analyze text. This book will help your students move from a cursory reading to a “deeper reading” of the text. it will help them understand the complexities and nuances of challenging texts.

The author has provided strategies that are easy to implement in your own classroom while enhancing comprehension and analysis of both fiction and nonfiction texts. This text can be read cover to cover as a PD book, or you can use it as a reference tool, using the glossary to find interesting activities and lesson ideas for your students. the strategies and activities suggested often also provide opportunities for movement and collaboration that my students really enjoy.”

readicide

With the rise in popularity of selective reading, it’s no wonder this book is one of the best books for English teachers. kim from ocbeach teacher says readicide is at the top of her favorites list. “This classic is a must read for all teachers. Gallagher argues that schools often become the main culprits in destroying students’ love of reading. With better awareness of the problem, teachers can reverse this trend and work to make reading a pleasurable experience again.” specifically, readicide offers ideas on what not to do if we want students to love reading and truly immerse themselves in the experience.

these 6 things

my friend kristy louden loves these 6 things. “dave stuart jr. has written a book that every teacher should read: it’s simple, no gimmicks, and easily doable. Dave, an English and history teacher, addresses building relationships, reading, writing, speaking, discussing, and knowing. the book provides multiple strategies for each different category to help even seasoned masters improve their craft.”

essential questions

Amanda of Clay and Ink Teaching suggests Essential Questions: Opening doors to student understanding. “When I finally experienced the power of an Essential Question-driven unit, I can say, without exaggeration, that my teaching career took a huge turn for the better. This book completely changed my thinking and has helped me write units that are richer, more rigorous, and better structured than ever before. this book is great for any beginner who is just beginning the journey of using the comprehension by design framework or is simply looking to put a new spin on old units.”

lessons that change writers

marypat from just add students says that lessons that change writers are a staple. “I love this book to teach writing, for many reasons! Nancie Atwell makes the writing workshop process clear and easy to implement. there are 70 mini-lessons, student examples, tips for running a writing workshop, setting up a writing notebook, and even a timeline of lessons to teach throughout the year (although you can teach in any order). this book is a must if you are teaching a writing workshop! full of creative ideas that will excite you!”

complete novels for the whole class

the book club partner

Of course, the list of the best books for English teachers cannot leave out a book specifically about book clubs. meredith from bespoke ela suggests the book club mate. “This book contains activities for students to use in analytical reading. Included activities range from K-W-L charts to body maps to comic strips and more. It’s a great book to use throughout the year for book club activities that will really help students dig into a text.”

a novel approach

If you’re looking for a book to help you create a blended curriculum where you alternate between novels for the whole class and independent reading, a novel approach by kate roberts has a lot to offer. many high school ela teachers value the experiences of a whole class discussion around a common literary work. This book helps offer suggestions for book selection, consultation with students, and skill identification. roberts makes connections between mini-lessons during whole class novels and reinforcement during selective reading.

teaching for joy and justice

literature scholar brynn allison enjoyed reading teaching with joy and fairness: reimagining the language arts classroom linda christensen. “When I was teaching in a high poverty urban high school, Teaching for Joy and Justice was the first PD book that really resonated with me. Christensen emphasizes the need for reading and writing to be connected to issues that students care about, and her book is full of suggested texts and writing assignments that my students could connect with. Two of my favorite ideas from the book, the reading and writer’s checklists, are ones that can be implemented over and over again throughout the year to help students improve as writers.”

love book

kristy from 2 peas and a dog enjoys penny kittle’s book love. says, “it’s an amazing resource for any middle or high school teacher. This resource helps teachers plan lessons so students enjoy reading and learn the value of selective reading. penny is amazing and will leave you revitalized and inspired. it also provides real-life ideas that you can implement in your classroom.”

the strategy books

And I can’t write a post about the best books for English teachers without mentioning them. I have the reading strategy book, and I frequently borrow the writing strategy book from one of my colleagues. Conveniently, these books cover a wide range of reading and writing strategy mini-lessons ranging from reading levels A to Z. It’s great for high school teachers. Although not all of the mini-lessons are geared towards older students, almost all of them can be adapted to fit. Use this reference style book after deciding which reading or writing skills your students need to work on. it will help you with lesson planning!

Which professional development books have had the greatest impact on your teaching?

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Best Books for English Teachers: Professional Development – Reading and Writing Haven