Eat Teach Blog

Eating, Teaching, Running, and the Life that Happens in Between it All

Inspirational Books for Teachers

by 40 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy.

Inspirational Books for Teachers

The one thing I admire most about effective teachers is that the learning never stops. Some of the strongest educators I know independently seek out professional development opportunities, browse Pinterest for new and engaging activities, and keep a “teacher” book on their nightstand. Because they know that there is always room to grow as an educator.

Reading books has always been my source of inspiration.

This job can be demanding and exhausting and you will always feel a hundred steps behind. But, picking up one of these books may re-ignite that fire in you and remind you why you do what you do. Here are a list of five books that have helped me learn, grow, and develop over the past six years.

1) Lost At School – School discipline is broken. Too often, the kids who need our help the most are viewed as disrespectful, out of control, and beyond help and they are often the recipients of our most ineffective, most punitive interventions. These students – and their parents, teachers, and administrators – are frustrated and desperate for answers. Dr. Ross W. Greene offers educators and parents a different framework for understanding challenging behavior. His fundamental belief is that no child wakes up and wants to have a bad day. They don’t want to make your life a living hell. If we approach these students with the mindset that they have lagging skills and need appropriate instruction on how to behave the “right” way, they would do it.

2. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol Dweck explains why it’s not just our abilities and talent that bring us success – but whether we approach them with a fixed or growth mindset. She makes it clear that praising intelligence and ability doesn’t foster self-esteem and lead to accomplishment, but may actually jeopardize success. With the right mindset, we can motivate our kids and help them raise their grades, as well as reach our own goals–personal and professional. Dweck reveals what all great parents, teachers, CEOs, and athletes already know: how a simple idea about the brain can create a love of learning and a resilience that is the basis of great accomplishment in every area.

3. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance – Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed—be it parents, students, educators, athletes, or business people—that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” Drawing on her own powerful story as the daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her lack of “genius,” Duckworth, now a celebrated researcher and professor, describes her early eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience, which led to the hypothesis that what really drives success is not “genius” but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance.

4. How Children Succeed – Why do some children succeed while others fail? The story we usually tell about childhood and success is the one about intelligence: success comes to those who score highest on tests, from preschool admissions to SATs. But in How Children Succeed, Paul Tough argues that the qualities that matter more have to do with character: skills like perseverance, curiosity, optimism, and self-control. Through his writing, Tough conveys that the achievement gap begins long before a child reaches the K-12 system.

 

5. Teach Like a Pirate – Based on Dave Burgess’s popular “Teach Like a PIRATE” seminars, this book offers inspiration, practical techniques, and innovative ideas that will help you to increase student engagement, boost your creativity, and transform your life as an educator. You’ll learn how to: • Tap into and dramatically increase your passion as a teacher • Develop outrageously engaging lessons that draw students in like a magnet • Establish rapport and a sense of camaraderie in your classroom • Transform your class into a life-changing experience for your students.

 

Question of the Day:

  • What book have you recently read that inspires you in the workplace? 

 

Comments

  1. My sons primary school teacher has been down for 2 weeks now with severe pneumonia, the class wanted to get her something to pass the time in bed (and flowers are just such a bore!) Do you think the “teach like a pirate” would be appropriate? Or could it be misunderstood? How would you as a teacher feel if your class brought you a bunch of their Art and this book as a get well gift? She is a lovely teacher and we wouldn’t want to upset her obviously.
    Pat recently posted…A Carpet that tells a story of family and loveMy Profile

    Reply

  3. I am sharing this. I know teachers who would love the encouragement. I am a believer that we must continue to study our craft to remain effective. This list provided is great and doing just that.

    Reply

  4. I think that those that constantly seek to learn and grow are the ones that stand out in any field. Not in the teaching field, but I am taking a course to help with my blog.

    Reply

  6. There is one book I have read that really had a big impact on me. It is “The Greatest Salesman in the World” by Og Mandino. I love putting into practice the 10 scrolls. I think this would also be a good book for teachers to read.

    Reply

  8. Im a stay at home mom presently but, I read a lot of books for myself and to my kids. I think a lot of the books inspire my kids with creativity and stir that imagination. I do throw a self help or how to be happier book in my rotation once and awhile.

    Reply

  13. All these books sound helpful and I believe that teachers need help! I think the job just getting harder and harder.

    Reply

  19. I have read a lot of women entrepreneur books that I feel are helpful. I remember reading a lot of teaching books like that in grad school!

    Reply

  23. Reading has always been a source of inspiration for myself as well. I would love to read the second book. I’m sure it’s very educational

    Reply

  29. I just finished the memoir “Learning to Bow” I forgot the name of the author, but its about his teaching experience in Japan during 1940s. It was a good read 🙂

    Reply

  32. These are such great books that seem to tackle all the fundamental errors that human minds make when it comes to teaching and categorising children. I’m from a country that purely focuses on academic intellect. anything outside that is considered ‘useless’ so if you’re scoring high on your test scores bu great at a sport – then, unfortunately, tehy are branded as ‘dull’ which is such a shame as I believe intelligence comes in different forms. This was a great read. Thanks for sharing.
    Kiyshia recently posted…THE TRUTH ABOUT STARTING A BLOG IN 2017My Profile

    Reply

  33. I love “How Teachers Succeed” and how it drives curiosity and self discovery. As a teacher, I definitely see the impact because of the limited time we have in a day that doesn’t allow it to happen. I will definitely be looking into these other reads mentioned! Great Post!

    Reply

  36. All the books sound interesting and useful for teacher and parents.
    I am not much of a reader but will order a couple of these books to gift to friends/ family that enjoy reading.
    Loved this post Divya. Thanks.

    Reply

  40. I remember growing up and always wanting to become a teacher. That never came but I did work with preschool age children for a few years. I always found myself reading to learn how to be the best teacher of children that I could. I learned so much and it gave me a whole new perspective on the minds of children and how to help them.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge

Share