When I was in my graduate program, there was a particular professor that... well, let's just say he shouldn't have been there. Everything we wrote was apparently garbage, every discussion left students angry and upset... not what a MEd program should be. ANYWAY. The one and only thing that I remember being worthwhile in the two classes I took with him was a resource day. This was partially because it had nothing to do with him, but it was also because everyone brought a book they were passionate about that they had picked up along the way. It was so incredibly helpful, and I went shopping after that! So, since I know the usefulness of having someone else look at something and say, "Hey, this is worthwhile!", I thought I would share mine!
These are some more targeted towards ELA/MS, but there is something for everyone!
Whether you are in year 1 or year 40, anyone can use a reminder of the things you need to remember to do each year to make your class great. I tell all baby teachers that these books are indispensable and should be revisited every year (maybe updated versions, but still!). I like this one because it's K-12 and it touches on a LOT of things. Get it here.
This one is actually from my time at University of Portland, where I received my undergrad AND graduate degrees. (Go Pilots!). I was blessed to have many amazing professors that picked amazing books for us to read. Marzano is a no-brainer; read everything his genius brain has put out there. Seriously. But this one is great. I still have the first edition (fancy!), but here is the link for the newest edition.
THIS. This one is a new addition to my library. SO many pictures. SO many scenarios. SO accessible to all types of classrooms. K-12, you can use this book. I cannot say enough. I mean, my cookbooks HAVE to have a lot of pictures so I know I am doing things right... this is the same way. Love this book. Don't even hesitate to click here and buy it.
Here's another one of those baby teacher books that you should read even when you're not a baby teacher. This one has some more technology aspects and a slightly different approach, so I got it. I think I (not-so) secretly want ALL Jossey Bass books... Get this one here.
This one also has an updated version, but I love this one because it discusses life skills and skills students need in the real world. Although it says K-12, I think it's more geared to maybe 4-12? It comes with a DVD so you can see first hand what each method looks like in action. Get the 2.0 here.
If you are an English teacher (gr 6-12) and you haven't heard of Jim Burke, GET ON IT. He is another one I was introduced to in college (Thank you, Dr. Thacker!), and I always make sure to read this one at Christmas Break, too. This is the second edition with some great tips about technology. He also has a very helpful Common Core guide to LA for a range of grades- he is awesome!
This is another great one for ELA MS/HS. I like it because it addresses the major differences there are in LA than any other grade in terms of paper load, grading, material, etc. A great resource for any secondary ELA teacher. (As I am making these links, Amazon is politely reminding me that I bought these already using BIG BOLD LETTERS. Thank you, Amazon. :))
Finally, everyone needs a spark, and about year 4, I needed one. This is a great book with some awesome ideas to make your class different than all the rest. Notice all the tabs (I heart tabs). And the fact that it's a Jossey Bass. AGAIN. Get it here.
I hope this was a little bit helpful to you as you venture into August, the time when we really start prepping and planning and coming up with great ideas. One can never have enough resources (this is what I tell myself when I have the 283983598th Jossey Bass book in my hands :) ), and it's great to have someone let you know it's worthwhile so you don't have to do the hunting. Happy Reading!
~Caitlin
These are some more targeted towards ELA/MS, but there is something for everyone!
Whether you are in year 1 or year 40, anyone can use a reminder of the things you need to remember to do each year to make your class great. I tell all baby teachers that these books are indispensable and should be revisited every year (maybe updated versions, but still!). I like this one because it's K-12 and it touches on a LOT of things. Get it here.
This one is actually from my time at University of Portland, where I received my undergrad AND graduate degrees. (Go Pilots!). I was blessed to have many amazing professors that picked amazing books for us to read. Marzano is a no-brainer; read everything his genius brain has put out there. Seriously. But this one is great. I still have the first edition (fancy!), but here is the link for the newest edition.
THIS. This one is a new addition to my library. SO many pictures. SO many scenarios. SO accessible to all types of classrooms. K-12, you can use this book. I cannot say enough. I mean, my cookbooks HAVE to have a lot of pictures so I know I am doing things right... this is the same way. Love this book. Don't even hesitate to click here and buy it.
Here's another one of those baby teacher books that you should read even when you're not a baby teacher. This one has some more technology aspects and a slightly different approach, so I got it. I think I (not-so) secretly want ALL Jossey Bass books... Get this one here.
This one also has an updated version, but I love this one because it discusses life skills and skills students need in the real world. Although it says K-12, I think it's more geared to maybe 4-12? It comes with a DVD so you can see first hand what each method looks like in action. Get the 2.0 here.
If you are an English teacher (gr 6-12) and you haven't heard of Jim Burke, GET ON IT. He is another one I was introduced to in college (Thank you, Dr. Thacker!), and I always make sure to read this one at Christmas Break, too. This is the second edition with some great tips about technology. He also has a very helpful Common Core guide to LA for a range of grades- he is awesome!
Finally, everyone needs a spark, and about year 4, I needed one. This is a great book with some awesome ideas to make your class different than all the rest. Notice all the tabs (I heart tabs). And the fact that it's a Jossey Bass. AGAIN. Get it here.
I hope this was a little bit helpful to you as you venture into August, the time when we really start prepping and planning and coming up with great ideas. One can never have enough resources (this is what I tell myself when I have the 283983598th Jossey Bass book in my hands :) ), and it's great to have someone let you know it's worthwhile so you don't have to do the hunting. Happy Reading!
~Caitlin
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