It might seem crazy that I’m encouraging you to spend the last precious days of your winter break reading about school-related things, but hopefully, these will help you refocus on your “why” and give you a new perspective to finish the school year strong.
1. Awakened: Change Your Mindset to Transform Your Teaching, 2nd Edition
by Angela Watson
Showing up in the classroom as the best version of yourself everyday requires serious mental fortitude! This book will empower you to develop a resilient, flexible and positive mindset and help you develop thought habits that produce a greater sense of satisfaction, motivation and purpose. This book will help you renew your mind and take a fresh approach toward the challenges of teaching.
2. 180 Days of Self-Care for Busy Educators (A 36-Week Plan of Low-Cost Self-Care for Teachers and Educators)
by Tina H. Boogren
I know we’re halfway through the school year, but there’s no better time than NOW to take care of yourself so that you can lead a happier, more fulfilled life inside and outside the classroom! The author guides you through daily self-care strategies and techniques that correspond with each week of the school year. Weekly themes cover topics from inspiration and creativity to relationships and time management for teachers and administrators. Just jump in on the first week that corresponds to the week you return to school and take care of yourself!
3. Go See the Principal: True Tales from the School Trenches
by Gerry Brooks
You know this book will have you laughing till you cry! In Go See the Principal, Gerry Brooks uses his classic and mocking humor to provide comic relief and advice for teachers. He covers topics from social media use in the classroom and parent teacher conferences to pick-up and drop-off, school supplies, and everything in between.
4. The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life
by Parker J. Palmer
Good teachers love learners, learning, and teaching life in a way that builds trust with students and colleagues, animates their daily practice, and keeps them coming back tomorrow.
- Reclaim your own vision and purpose against the threat of burn-out
- Understand why good teaching cannot be reduced to technique alone
- Explore and practice the relational traits that good teachers have in common
- Learn how to forge learning connections with your students and “teach across the gap”
5. Teach Like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator
by Dave Burgess
This book is based on Burgess’ series of seminars by the same name. This book will help inspire your creativity and renew your passion for teaching with innovative and practical techniques.
What a perfect way to use those gift cards you’ve been given this holiday season! Grab one of these books now to get the new semester started with a fresh perspective!
Teia Hoover Baker is an educator, published author, and entrepreneur. She is an innovative, devoted educator whose career has been dedicated to coordinating programs that support struggling learners. Her passion is meeting students where they are and guiding them to excel. Her main focus is always what is best for children. Teia holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Master’s of Education. In her spare time, she enjoys being Lovie to her growing grandchildren.
