Summer break is anything but for most teachers. Rather than take a vacation, many get a second job or stay home to revamp curriculum, lesson plans, and update classroom activities. Of course, you’ll probably have to do the same when the time comes, but for now why don’t you sit back and study what it really takes to become an educator?
The following books are some of the best reading for aspiring teachers like you. Whether you plan to work with first graders or dream of becoming a college professor, delving into one of these pocket books will give you the inside scoop on all things teaching and better prepare you for your future career.
You are reading: Books for future teachers
1. teach like a pirate
arrr friend! It’s about time you taught like a pirate, don’t you think? no, we don’t mean to make your kids walk the plank. rather, you need to implement the pirate method, which stands for Passion, Immersion, Relationship, Ask and Analyze, Transformation, and Enthusiasm, in your classroom.
author dave burgess explains this teaching philosophy in his book teaches like a pirate and presents a scenario that any teacher can model. Of course, you will need an adventurous spirit and quite a bit of courage to become a pirate. however, once you do, even the most reluctant kids will be excited to come to school just so they don’t miss their class.
2. the teacher’s guide to self-care
Teaching is easily one of the most stressful jobs in the country, with most instructors working 24 hours a day answering emails, grading assignments, and answering questions from parents. this is why self-care is so important, yet often overlooked, within education.
See Also: All 10 Artemis Fowl Books in Order by Eoin Colfer [Ultimate Guide]
In her book, The Teacher’s Guide to Self-Care, Sarah Frost addresses this very issue, offering practical ways for teachers to take care of their mental health. achieve work-life balance and truly enjoy your work with these tips and tricks from masters who have been there, done it.
3. the essential 55
In The 55 Essentials, two-time New York bestselling author Ron Clark offers 55 rules he thinks can help tame a rebellious class. Ron says that these rules will turn students into respectful and compassionate adults. teachers must discipline their students based on the classroom environment for these precepts to be effective.
He also says that the last five rules are the most critical and deal with general issues like living life to the fullest and having a respectable moral code. however, you will need to purchase the book to understand how you could incorporate them into your classroom.
4. a new culture of learning: cultivating imagination for an ever-changing world
if you are currently questioning the role of education and learning, a new culture of learning by doug thomas and john seely brown will be an interesting read. this book acknowledges the ever-changing culture of the 21st century and challenges the notion that teaching is necessary for learning.
The authors examine this hot topic in nine chapters, sharing dozens of insights along the way. for example, learners should be creators of content, not simply consumers of content. Additionally, students must determine what is important and actively engage with this information by exploring resources and questioning experts. Pick up a copy of this book if you want to read more about this student-centered approach and how you might implement it in your future classroom.
5. developing minds
Teaching students to think for themselves is one of the most important jobs you’ll ever have. however, many aspiring teachers are unsure how to inspire creative thinking in the classroom. In his book Developing Minds, Art Costa explores this complex topic and reveals strategies for teaching and assessing thinking skills in an ever-changing educational environment.
This book also helps forge a common vision among everyone within the school system, from librarians to school board members, of what characterizes effective problem solvers. once they know what reflective students look like, they can begin to nurture the next generation of critical thinkers, which will inevitably ensure a brighter future for everyone.
6. lose my faculties: the story of a teacher
Are you afraid of losing your cool at school? Well, Brendan Halpin already did, and you can read all about it in Losing My Facultties: A Teacher’s Story. This candid, first-hand account of one teacher’s mistakes and triumphs reminds aspiring teachers that education is not romantic. rather, it is messy and often discouraging. however, it’s still an incredibly rewarding experience if you’re willing to ride out the storm.
Education students and seasoned teachers alike should read this book to remind themselves that no one is perfect. Teachers are human too and often make mistakes. the key is learning to grow through those difficult times and becoming a better educator in the process.
always a student
Teachers are lifelong learners, meaning they will always be students, even after they graduate from college. so don’t hesitate to pick a good book and learn something new. doing so will allow you to take charge of your education and inspire your students to do the same.