Teaching is truly an art form that takes time and dedication to learn to do well, and as any seasoned educator can tell you, the early years are often the hardest. While nothing can replace personal experience, there is much new teachers can learn from the experiences of others who have walked the path before them. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 50 best books for new teachers.
You are reading: Books about becoming a teacher
The books on the list cover a wide range of topics and styles, from pedagogical theory to practical instruction, novels and autobiographies, history and classroom discipline, politics, reading, writing and arithmetic. what they all have in common is that they all come highly recommended to new teachers by current and former teachers. if you’re a teacher looking for guidance and inspiration, you’re sure to find something here.
general inspiration and procedures
1. 1000 best new teacher survival secrets (kathleen brenny and kandace martin) 1000 best new teacher survival secrets, is a book by two experienced teachers aimed at other teachers with the purpose of helping them to be more effectively and efficiently carry out the most important and often difficult tasks required to successfully perform their jobs. This book is a perfect addition to any teacher’s personal library because, while it is comprehensive, useful, and detailed, it is also formatted to make it a very simple yet informative read.
2. The Courage to Teach (Parker Palmer) The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer is a book designed for new and experienced teachers based on a spiritual perspective. Palmer covers topics such as what makes a successful teacher, what role fear plays in teaching, teaching paradoxes, and becoming part of a teaching community. Palmer focuses on the inner life of a teacher, building connections and finding his passion. This book would be useful for new teachers who want to reflect on what brought them to teaching, how to connect with students and colleagues, and the often neglected emotional and spiritual aspects of the teaching profession.
3. the elements of teaching (james m. banner) before we delve into the wonderful world of education, the elements of teaching by james m. banner is a must-read. explains the qualities a teacher must have to be a true champion of education and how those characteristics come into play in the classroom. In addition, Banner combines teaching theory and practice in his analysis of the optimal classroom to show how both play a role. It is through reading about the combination of these strategies at banner work that many competent and prolific teachers are born into the classroom environment.
4. The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher (Harry K. Wong) The First Days of School is a must-read for all educators, but especially new teachers. beginning their careers in education. The book offers the necessary tools to develop a winning strategy for a successful school year. Throughout you’ll find chapters covering everything from teacher/student introductions, classroom procedures and management, how to improve student mastery of lessons, and much more. This book gives new teachers the confidence and guidance to succeed well beyond the first days of school.
5. First Year Teacher Survival Kit (Julia G. Thompson) For years, First Year Teacher Survival Kit by Julia G. Thompson has helped show new educators the methods they need to be successful. The book is often revised and updated to keep new teachers up to date on current issues and tips on how to handle changes in the education system. Topics include connecting with students, helping struggling readers, and working as a team. The second edition includes information on the No Child Left Behind Act, as well as crucial tips to help at-risk students increase their success. a fully revised list of resources helps teachers find additional websites, software, and more.
6. From Surviving to Thriving (Marcia Bromfield) From Surviving to Thriving is a beginning teacher’s guide written by Marcia Bromfield. This guide shows new teachers how to create a solid foundation for their teaching career and outlines the steps to take to ensure that teaching remains a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. emphasizes the importance of relationships with other teachers and fosters relationships with students and their families. this guide is a great resource for new teachers or anyone looking to start a career in education.
7. learning to teach (linda shalaway) when you have just finished teaching at school, you have many ideas in your mind about how things should be done, but you may not have many concrete ways to put them into practice . your ideas into practice. Learning to Teach by Linda Shalaway tries to help you bridge the gap between ideas and process by offering you interviews and methods told by experienced teachers. When you want to know how to engage the classroom and when you’re interested in getting a positive response from your students, this guide can show you how.
8. Letters to a New Teacher (Jim Burke) In Letters to a New Teacher, people who are new to teaching are offered the opportunity to read an exchange of letters that occurred between the author and a new teacher who was advising. Research has shown that new teachers benefit from the advice and experience they gain from a mentoring relationship. Now, through this book, any teacher can enjoy the benefits that come from learning through the experiences of a mentor teacher. this book can help new teachers learn how to organize their classrooms, plan their instruction, and remain flexible enough to adapt to the changing dynamics of their classroom.
9. never outwork your students (robyn jackson) a must read by teacher robyn jackson, never outwork your students is a thoughtful, practical guide for teachers struggling to connect with their students in a practical and exciting way. The book is packed with tips, troubleshooting tips, and tools that will help any teacher live by the seven principles the book offers and immediately implement them. never work harder than your students should be required reading for all teachers everywhere and will absolutely change the way educators think about their profession and the methods they use to teach.
10. the new teacher’s book (rethinking schools) the new teacher’s book is a true general book for beginning educators, a classic in the real world of teaching. is a collection of essays from teachers both new and old, sharing their own hard-earned lessons and guidance on how to survive both the school system, their peers, and how to connect with their students. Nectar for the soul of any new teacher scared to continue down that path, the new book for teachers offers anecdotes and stories along with ideas and resources that can encourage and inspire. it’s like a great collection of old friends between the pages of an indispensable book.
11. The Passionate Teacher: A Practical Guide (Robert Fried) When you’re a new teacher, the feeling you probably experience the most is tiredness. teaching is hard and keeping the passion can seem like a losing battle. This is where The Passionate Teacher: A Practical Guide comes in. This book is a meditation on keeping your passion while you teach, and it’s full of examples and interviews to help you get where you need to be. be. Many people think that passion is something that is lost over time. instead, this book teaches you that it is something that needs to be renewed. It tells you where to work and how to get your passion back!
12. path to teaching (eric hougan) the complete text on teaching for teachers, eric hougan’s path to teaching provides the blueprint for a new teacher to transition to a teacher educator. The book covers the many unique steps between the first day and the last, teaching teachers to go beyond prescribed techniques and succeed for their students when the deck is stacked against them. It really focuses on the first-time teacher, including information on how to build a resume and look for his or her first job as an educator. Along with practical information for new teachers, it explains the secrets of master teachers.
13. The Skillful Teacher (Stephen Brookfield) The Skillful Teacher is an award-winning textbook for teachers that provides sound, proven advice for teachers, regardless of their experience in the field. The author, Stephen Brookfield, draws on her expertise as the host of hundreds of teacher workshops over the years and in many different school settings. the second edition of the text updates the work with more information on diversity in the classroom and the changes brought about by internet-based education. Unlike many other textbooks, all material is presented in a readable and personal tone.
14. teaching content outrageously (stanley pogrow) As a new teacher, there’s nothing more daunting than looking up and seeing the boredom and apathy in your students’ eyes. the truth is that you are not a bad teacher; he just needs help getting his students excited. this is what stanley pogrow’s outrageous content teaching sets out to do. There are several editions of this book that focus on different grade levels, and each book sets out to provide examples and lesson plans on how to engage students. shows you how to make your lessons personal and exciting, and gives you the opportunity to engage your students.
See Also: Inspector McLean Series Audiobooks | Audible.co.uk
15. teaching outside the box (louanne johnson) thinking outside the box by louanne johnson will give a teacher of any skill level new ideas to keep their interest in what they are learning. if the students are kept interested by the teacher in the classroom, then they will naturally go to learn more about the topic. Louanne Johnson is one of the world’s most respected teaching authors and she doesn’t disappoint with her latest book. the Q&A section with current teachers and tips on how to grade effectively make this book a must-read for anyone just becoming a teacher.
16. tools for teaching (fred jones) in tools for teaching, the author provides the skills teachers need to truly enjoy the classroom while accompanying students on the journey. fred jones shows his system of instruction, motivation and discipline to streamline the teaching process and avoid the headaches caused by disruptive students and weak educators. The book is well structured for new teachers to follow with simple instructions and includes a DVD overview with activity guides and workshops. the dvd also includes videos to share with parents. teaching tools is a perfect title and should be in every teacher’s toolbox.
17. what great teachers do differently (todd whitaker) what great teachers do differently by todd whitaker is an inspirational book that will help anyone become a better master no matter your skill level. Whitaker knows that teaching is not easy, so he gives the reader 17 steps to improve his skills. This is the perfect book for new teachers to read because it will allow them to pick up new tricks and learn from their mistakes to become the best teachers possible. By reading this book, you will learn the appropriate beliefs and behaviors needed to connect with your students and help them learn.
18. Why didn’t I learn this in college? (paula rutherford) When you’re a new teacher, you find yourself thinking more about the things you weren’t taught in school. Now, with Why Didn’t I Learn This in College by Paula Rutherford, you can get the inside scoop on what you need to know to survive. This book gives you an important perspective on the perspective of teaching and on top of this you will also find some fantastic ways to motivate yourself and your students. The information was drawn from interviews with experienced teachers, and the book itself is an excellent resource for any new teacher who needs reassurance and guidance.
fiction and biography
19. Educating Esme (Esme Raji Codell) Educating Esme is a journal written by Esme Raji Codell, a first-year teacher in the Chicago Public Schools system. Codell’s unconventional teaching methods are playful, encouraging movement and activity during learning, but allow for understanding and retention. The diary shows the daily routine of a first year teacher learning the ropes. educating esme is an excellent read for new teachers and provides readers with many examples of teaching methods that can be implemented in any classroom among a wide range of student ages.
20. the emergency teacher (christina asquith) christina asquith’s emergency teacher tells the story of a young woman who works as a teacher for the first time in one of the worst neighborhoods in philadelphia, pennsylvania. Asquith was able to overcome a corrupt school rife with crime from both students and faculty to achieve something special. this is a great book for new teachers to read because it will inspire them to continue teaching no matter what they face.
21. horace’s school (theodore r. sizer) subtitled “redesigning the american high school,” in horace’s school theodore sizer has done just that, turning more than 30 years of research and study into its picture perfect american high school. sizer uses his knowledge and powerful understanding of what teachers and students face every day. He provides this information through the fictional school teacher Horace Smith, who seeks answers within the rigid structures imposed by the current system. an inspiring story that shines a light on the problems facing all teachers and offers solutions to those educators trapped behind bureaucracy and outnumbered by the old guard.
22. Maestro (Frank Mccourt) Maestro is a must-read memoir for teachers. Frank McCourt examines his thirty years of teaching and the ways they shaped his eventual becoming a respected author. an honest, yet heartbreaking, story of the challenges faced by teachers in public high schools. An English professor in New York City spent a long time convinced that he was a fraud. Best known for his book Angela’s Ashes, a memoir of his childhood and upbringing, this book is a fantastic sequel and belongs on any teacher’s shelf among literary classics and educational texts. .
23. down the stairs below (bel kaufman) down the stairs is a work of fiction by bel kaufman. Follows the first year of teaching Miss Barrett, a recent college graduate, at Calvin Coolidge High. Given the lack of supplies, inadequate conditions and unmotivated teenagers, miss barrett uses the resources she has at her disposal to motivate and encourage her students. this book is an excellent read for new teachers, as it presents situations that many teachers will face, especially those working in lower socioeconomic areas.
race, poverty and social justice
24. a framework for understanding poverty (ruby payne) a framework for understanding poverty by ruby payne is an important book that all teachers should have in their collection, but especially those who They are new to working with the underprivileged. This book contains a plethora of quizzes, charts, tables, and graphs, all intended to inform the reader of the severe impact poverty has on those subjected to it, and how to counteract its effects in the classroom. quickly becoming the standard guide on poverty and education.
25. Black Teachers on Teaching by Michele Foster Published in 1998, this timeless classic on the rise of African-American education is a must-read for teachers hoping to learn about the history of America’s struggle for racial equality. Michele Foster explores the history of the unsettling trials teachers faced as America’s era of white supremacy finally began to draw to a close. In this book, she will give you first-hand accounts of the struggles teachers charged with educating young African Americans in both the South and urban areas experienced from the 1950s to the 1990s.
26. The Freedom Writers Journal (Erin Gruwell) A large portion of teachers leave the profession within their first three years on the job. The Freedom Writers’ Journal is an inspiring text on how to motivate students from even the most difficult environments, with minimal resources. teachers often enter the profession with a desire to impact lives. This book contains writings of student journal entries throughout the year and how the class affected their lives. all students graduated from high school and attended college.
27. Shout If You Can Hear Me (Gregory Michie) Shout If You Can Hear Me: The Education of a Teacher and His Pupils is an essential book for any teacher who cares about social justice. Drawing on his experience as an inner-city teacher, author Gregory Michie explores the connection between personal and social transformation, helping teachers understand how to change the lives of today’s generation of students by becoming the change themselves. they want to see. Shout If You Hear Me is a must read for all professional educators who are truly interested in learning how to teach with cultural sensitivity, fairness, love, and imagination.
28. My Gang Doesn’t Do Homework (Louanne Johnson) Louanne Johnson’s book My Gang Doesn’t Do Homework is a wonderfully informative read for teachers everywhere, but especially those whose students consist of troubled youth who lack structure and discipline outside of school. explores the experiences of a former united states marine in her early years as a central california high school teacher and delves into the ways she was able to overcome her students’ lack of seriousness about learning. /p>
29. no kids here (alex kotlowitz) the book follows two brothers, pharoah and lafayette rivers, who live in the henry horner homes, a chicago public housing complex. The author, Alex Kotlowitz, first meets the boys when they were seventeen years old, documenting the terror of young children living in the projects. an important text that will quickly educate any teacher on both sides of the fence about the plight of poor children shaped by their toxic environment. the author humanizes that environment, bringing to light the society he creates and, hopefully, offering insight into the divergent paths the two brothers take.
30. nothing is impossible (lorraine monroe) lorraine monroe founded the fredrick douglass academy, a public school built on the fundamental belief that caring teachers and a creative environment could protect and guide the future of inner city students from harlem. Using the “Monroe Doctrine,” developed during her many years as a principal and teacher in some of the toughest schools in the country, she shares the story of how she built Fredrick Douglas Academy into one of the best schools in the country. . Another must-read for teachers, it inspires hope and teaches your peers how to succeed in the face of the toughest challenges.
31. The Pedagogy of the Oppressed (Paulo Freire) A seminal text, The Pedagogy of the Oppressed was first published in Portuguese in 1968 and translated into English in 1970. It has inspired educators ever since. A handbook for empowerment among the poor and illiterate, has found new meaning in otherwise rich countries, including the United States, where a seemingly permanent divide between classes has left minorities under considerable stress with few of the promised opportunities actually available. A powerful read for teachers and students, it sheds light on many of the trials and tribulations of the underprivileged and points a path of mutual liberation for teachers and their students.
32. the nation’s shame (jonathan kozol) the nation’s shame by jonathan kozol explores the contemporary educational system and its effect on students. modern education has caused great segregation in many inner city schools. As schools adapt more techniques traditionally used in prisons, students, principals and teachers are beginning to speak out. The Shame of the Nation is a must-read for new teachers who want to work with the system while bringing about change and preventing desegregation in urban schools.
See Also: T. Jefferson Parker – Book Series In Order
33. teaching community: a pedagogy of hope (bell hooks) bell hooks writes about the challenge of ending racism and white supremacy. This compelling book explores the importance of creating a critical educational atmosphere where oppression is dismantled and community is built. new teachers can read autobiographical narratives and critical analysis. they can learn how individuals and groups can change the system and build a socially just society. hooks encourages educators to acknowledge and speak openly about race and racism.
34. why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? (beverly daniel tatum) beverly tatum tackles a topic that is difficult to discuss in any environment and then applies it to one of the most difficult, our schools. A celebrated authority on the psychological aspects of racism, Tatum not only brings this topic to the forefront, but also answers many of the difficult questions and then looks for solutions. For teachers, it is an enormous task to change people’s entrenched tendencies, and this book seeks to help those educators promote a healthy environment for students to learn about their differences and commonalities, in the hope of lessening the dangerous impact of self-segregation.
theory, politics and history
35. bad students, not bad schools by robert weissberg robert weissberg illustrates the shortcomings of a school system that continues to reward students who fail. Weissberg refuses to mince words in his book, drilling holes in established theory and practice. He points to the great divide between complacent teachers who scream about self-esteem and those who are willing to acknowledge that, god forbid, some students are simply smarter than the rest and are being actively let down by a system that caters to the poorest. common bass. denominator. step by step, weissberg debunks the political pet projects implemented by both sides and instead offers common sense solutions to the real problem.
36. the city schools and the american dream (pedro noguera) the city schools and the american dream: recovering the promise of public education by pedro noguera is a fascinating read and one that it would serve to be useful to any and all new teachers. The book’s premise explores the concept that higher standards and more frequent testing of inner-city students from low-income families does and will not necessarily lead to more educated students. Noguera argues that the real problems and solutions lie within the communities these students live in, and that improving these communities is just as important as educating these students.
37. the death and life of the great american school system (diane ravitch) the death and life of the great american school system is diane ravitch’s plea to protect the future of public education. Former Assistant Secretary of Education, draws from her forty years of experience to offer an educated view of what is currently wrong with our crumbling school system, and with extensive interviews among a wide range of professionals, Ravitch develops what she believes to be the bottom line. Throughout her work, she discusses her longstanding views of her and isn’t afraid to admit that even many of her own strong convictions have been wrong. her insights are vitally important to today’s teachers.
38. happiness and education (nel noddings) happiness and education by nel noddings is a work on educational philosophy that investigates the role that happiness plays or should play in education. Noddings criticizes the current focus of education on primarily economic goals, such as test scores, job placement, and earning potential. The book’s argument is that educators should focus more on less quantifiable goals, such as building interpersonal relationships, fostering personal growth, and finding work that is personally satisfying—in other words: outcomes related to student happiness. this book would be especially helpful for new teachers considering what results they hope to achieve in the classroom.
39. School: The Story of American Public Education (Sarah Mondale) School: The Story of American Public Education is an important text for teachers of all seasons, including outside educators. from United States. Written by various educational historians and smoothly edited by Sarah Mondale, the book chronicles the history of American education from the beginning. Divided into four history sections, the text explores all the important eras of education with well-written narration and stunning photography. A book that truly belongs in any studio or educators library, it can be enjoyed by anyone curious about the history of education in America.
40. teachers as intellectuals (henry a. giroux) henry a. Giroux’s book Teachers as Intellectuals explores the roles that educators and educational institutions play in society, as well as the importance of teachers’ views on these roles. This book can be very useful for new teachers, as it explains how and why it is vital for them to see themselves not only as experts in the particular subject or subjects they teach, but also as conscientious and knowledgeable intellectuals of academic subjects and disciplines other than their own and use their minds to contribute to the public good.
motivation and discipline
41. discipline with dignity (richard curwin) discipline with dignity addresses the most common discipline problems faced by new teachers. offers a liberal approach to learning that can be helpful when dealing with difficult students. the approaches encourage teachers to give students more freedom in choosing assignments. The recommendations allow the teacher to maintain control of the classroom while giving students some wiggle room, and also provide advice on how to encourage students to be more responsible for their actions. This is a must read for new teachers who are not used to disciplining students. older teachers could also benefit from the alternative disciplinary methods discussed.
42. Make The Bastards Behave (Sue Cowley) As the title implies, Sue Cowley’s Make The Bastards Behave uses a sense of humor and quirky writing to explain the best practices of classroom management. New teachers are often overwhelmed by this facet of education, but the book guides educators of youth and older students on how to address the common and extraordinary circumstances that unfold in the classroom. No matter what type of class you’re teaching or what the makeup of the students is, Cowley breaks down a few tactics that can help you have the best possible classroom management skills in school.
43. motivating students who don’t care (allen n. mendler) motivating students who don’t care by allen n. Mendler will help anyone improve as a teacher by giving them the tools to deal with the most troublesome students possible. Dealing with uninterested students is part of teaching, but Mendler has found several key ways to connect with these students and help them learn. This is a skill that most teachers don’t have when they start the job, so Motivating Students Who Don’t Care is an excellent book for new teachers to read. It will give a new teacher the confidence of knowing that he is prepared for whatever situation he faces on the job.
44. Reluctant Discipline (Gary Rubinstein) Reluctant Discipline is a hilarious personal account of Gary Rubinstein’s early years as a teacher. Like most teachers who enter the profession with idealistic visions of the noble quest, he quickly loses control of the classroom, overrun by aggressive and ruthless high school students. during the first four years, he goes from being the softest and weakest teacher in the school to being the teacher of the year. he humorously enlightens the reader with his knowledge in this fast-paced, anecdote-laden book. if you’re a teacher engaged in a power struggle with your class, this will definitely cheer you up.
45. teaching with love & logic (jim fay and david funk) teaching with love & logic is an invaluable resource for new teachers entering the classroom and veterans alike. Offering an empathic, common-sense framework for interacting with children, the book provides powerful strategies for becoming an empowered guide for learners of any age. With this book, educators are able to develop the skills that will enable them to evoke discipline and classroom management. Going beyond the teachings of traditional training programs, authors Jim Fay and David Funk’s combined years of experience serve to provide the psychological explanation for proven techniques that actually work in the real world.
46. The Tough Boy’s Book (Ginger Rhode, William R. Jenson, Kenton Reavis) The Tough Boy’s Book is a powerful reference manual for the new teacher. details techniques and tactics for dealing with disruptive or aggressive students. tries to translate the mindset of these troublesome bullies and how to disarm their behavior in the fastest way while teaching kids how their behavior will affect the outcome of any situation. Simply put, the book will show any teacher how to handle any student in a way that puts them quickly on the path to appropriate behavior with a deep understanding of how everyone benefits from it.
mathematics and reading
47. Every Minute Counts (David R. Johnson) Every Minute Counts is an amazing book that all math teachers should take the time to read. Because the book provides so much great advice on how to run a classroom effectively and efficiently, it is an especially beneficial tool for new teachers. Every Minute Counts discusses the importance of time management in the classroom and explains how a teacher’s proper use of time will contribute to the overall learning experience for students. The book also discusses the importance of topics such as quizzes, homework, and group work.
48. how 2 gerbils, 20 goldfish, 200 games, 2000 books and i taught them to read (steven daniels) published 1971, meet a teacher who finds creative ways to inspire poor and illiterate children to read and discover a new and a better world through books. he does so by taking high expectations of what he can be and combining them with an intense focus on helping the children in his class overcome obstacles to become lifelong readers and achievers. inspiring and relevant for today in the face of the ongoing struggles of urban and rural school districts across the country.
49. i read it, but i don’t understand it (cris tovani) written by teacher cris tovani, i read it, but i don’t understand it is perfect for teachers struggling to help students understand their books of text and literature. Using practical techniques that can help any child better understand her lessons, Tovani also connects with the reader as a talented educator who discusses the challenge with her classmates. The book focuses on real-world solutions that are fast-acting and easy to implement with children of any age. the book provides the tools students need to measure their own understanding while inspiring them to track and improve on their own.
personal care
50. learn to relax (mike george) life is hard for new teachers. you have to deal with a lot of new pressures and a lot of situations that you don’t feel ready for and at the end of the day you really need to take it on yourself. This is why Mike George’s book, Learning to Relax is so useful and recommended by so many teachers. This is a practical guide that tells you how to stay on top of the pressures in your life while taking time for yourself. Too many new teachers feel burned out and inadequate for their jobs, but the truth is that learning to relax can eliminate much of that stress.
See Also: 13 Sad Dog Books Guaranteed To Make You Cry — Animal Hearted Apparel