You must be thinking, why am I being told about must-read books? We know teachers go through extensive education with tons of books to read but how many of them leave their mark on you? The quality of a good teacher is never to stop exploring, and anyway, books are one’s best friend in the teaching profession. We have prepared a list of 5 books to read and some bonus titles that are a must-read! Do not worry, for there will surely be unheard plots that help you flourish in your career and improve your skill-set.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Year of Release: 2002
About the book and its lesson: The book is a perfect way to understand the profession of a creator and educator. It deals with resistance and overcoming it. All creators going through a creative process have faced some blocks. For a writer, it may be writer’s block, or for a teacher, it may be a simple state of stagnancy in their lesson plans. It talks about a person’s inner war when fighting their fears and winning over. This book is a must-read for everyone trying to learn a life lesson.
This is Not A Test: A New Narrative on Race, Class, and Education by Jose Vilson
- Year of Release: 2002
About the book and its lesson: Ever wonder what qualities make a good teacher? The one that solely thinks the best for one’s children. The book introduces new age and wholesome learning through well-researched essays and personal experiences of the author from his classroom. We are taken on a journey to understand how his school experience determines his teaching ability and what’s missing in today’s education curriculum. One of the best books to read for a teacher talks about the importance of inclusive learning by creating personalized examples to incorporate different classes and cultures. One should give this one a read.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
- Year of Release: 2006
About the book and its lesson: What does one have when all hope is lost? Family. This masterpiece is a heart-touching story of a father and son duo trying to survive in a dystopian world after a cataclysmic event. It depicts the struggles of the unknown and the familiar strength support can provide you. It’s like how teachers keep pushing their students to find hope in the most challenging times. This must-read is a testament to the capabilities of human nature and how affection can help live through utter destruction. It inspires us to view the world in a different light. Add it to your list of books to be read!
Black Box Thinking: Marginal Gains and the Secrets of High Performance by Matthew Syed
- Year of Release: 2015
About the book and its lesson: What links the Mercedes Formula One team with Google? What links Team Sky and the aviation industry? What connects James Dyson and David Beckham? They are all Black Box Thinkers. This book takes you to learn the secrets of high performing and successful individuals. It is the best teacher in imparting lessons on the habits to pick up. You know how exciting solutions are found to complex problems through perseverance and it is a must read for it gives an important lesson for both teachers and students. The book deals with failing and growing above it.
Slow Teaching: On Finding Calm, Clarity and Impact in the Classroom by Jamie Thom
- Year of Release: 2018
About the book and its lesson: A book that practically screams, read more and you’ll find a different wealth. This book clubs advice and tips with sound historic and innovative research to create a modern guide to finding peace in the classroom. By providing thoroughly investigated methods from creating a peaceful environment in the classroom to behavior management techniques that are simple to apply and provide a calmer classroom, the book covers a wide range of topics that make the best teacher. A great addition to the books to read in the collection, Slow Teaching is a great teacher on becoming a good teacher.
The Final Word
A great teacher always encourages their students to read more, but the best teacher continues to expand his knowledge by reading several books himself. Reading helps improve your vocabulary and literature and develops your understanding of the world. Any kind of reading significantly impacts an individual’s learning process by opening him or her up to diverse perspectives.
Some additional titles we thought you might enjoy:
- Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire
- Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto
- 32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny: Life Lessons from Teaching by Phillip Done
See you on the other side, reader!
