10 Must Read Books for Teachers

1. Notice & Note: Strategies for Close Reading by G.Kylene Beers 

If you want to brush up on close reading then definitely add this book to your summer reading list. It’s all in the details, close reading is about questioning the author’s reasoning and analysing the text. Notice and Note provides a wealth of information related to close reading, including a six step guide to teaching and ideas for lesson plans. I highly recommend this summer read for Language Art teachers of students from year 5 to 11.

2. Don’t Change the Light Bulbs: A compendium of expertise from the UK’s most switched-on educators by Andy Lewis 

Don’t Change the Light Bulbs is a straightforward guide to just about everything, covering an exceptional subject breadth and inspiring teachers and leaders, alike. Each subject has a 10 step guide, allowing busy teachers to easily dip in and out. Challenging the divide between secondary and primary teaching, Don’t Change the Light Bulbs is suitable for teachers of all subjects and ages.

3. Unleashing Great Teaching: The Secrets to the Most Effective Teacher Development by David Weston 

This practical handbook is full of ‘do and don’t’ checklists for teachers and identifies key factors which encourage strong professional development. Unleashing Great Teaching focuses on student outcomes rather than teacher performance and is sensitive to the complexity of schools and their limited resources. Full of helpful case studies and models, this book is the packed with insights for all members of the school community – from head teachers to NQTs and classroom assistants.

4. When the Adults Change, Everything Changes: Seismic Shifts in School Behaviour by Paul Dix 

Education is a serious business but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. When Adults Change, Everything Changes is a relatable read full of anecdotes and humour to make you chuckle. It offers advice on developing a consistent approach to behaviour management and reiterates the importance of empathy and understanding. Relevant to teachers of all age groups and subjects.

5. Of Teaching, Learning and Sherbet Lemons: A Compendium of Careful Advice for Teachers by Nina Jackson 

Despite what you may think this book isn’t about sweet treats! Of Teaching, Learning and Sherbet Lemons is all about putting the ‘fizz’ back into your teaching. Nina acts as an educational agony aunt, offering advice and strategies for a range of problems faced in the classroom. This book provides a wealth of knowledge, making it suitable for both newly qualified teachers and well established staff.

6. The Teachers Guide to SEN by Natalie Packer

Are you looking to develop your understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities? The Teacher’s Guide to SEN defines a variety of potentially unfamiliar acronyms and allows teachers to identify and fulfil their responsibilities. There is advice on how to recognise pupils with SEN and provide appropriate support. This handy guide is suitable for all teachers, from early years to secondary schools.

7. Clean Language in the Classroom by Julie McCracken

This book isn’t about tackling swearing in the classroom, but about being free of assumptions. Clean Language in the Classroom encourages respect between children and teachers, helping to develop a productive learning environment. It also aims to improve communication, making children more aware of their thought processes so they can understand what motivates them. This is an excellent tool suitable for all primary school teachers.

8. Think Before You Teach: Questions to Challenge Why and How you want to Teach by Martin Illingworth

Think Before You Teach asks all the right questions to get you thinking about what you want to teach and how you’re going to deliver it. It discusses various teacher training routes and encourages regular reflection on your continuing professional development. This book is aimed at anyone entering the educational sector, teacher trainers and ECT’s.

9. Take Control of the Noisy Class: From Chaos to Calm in 15 seconds by Rob Plevin

Struggling to manage disruptive behaviour in your noisy classroom? This book could be your saving grace. This is the ultimate guide to behaviour management strategies and includes access to downloadable resources, such as video tutorials and activities. If you’re tired of students that ignore you and want to enjoy stress free teaching then read Take Control of the Noisy Class. This is a valuable read for anyone working within the education sector.

10. Uncharted Territories: Adventures in Learning by Hywel Roberts

The most successful schools don’t see examinations as a final outcome, but as a stepping stone towards great education. Uncharted Territories suggests that education is a complex journey and provides a new outlook on curriculum coverage. Relevant to all primary and secondary educators, this is an essential point of reference for teachers and trainees.

Are you reading, or have you read any great books that aren’t on this list? Why not tweet us @iris_connect or add your reading suggestions in the comments below.

We also have a wealth of knowledge on our CPD resources page with practical advice on anything from the importance of self reflection to improving happiness and wellbeing. Download these for free >