While summer break can be incredibly refreshing, we all know that the summer slump is just as real. I’ve found that by diving into captivating professional development and self-help books, I can maintain my excitement for education even during summer.
These four picks are engaging and will get you excited about the school year ahead–even when you’re relaxing on a float in the pool.
1. “Disrupting Thinking” by Kylene Beers and Robert E. Probst
Read this one to get excited about building your classroom library.
This book is my new favorite reading instruction manual. While it’s research-based, the writers share first-hand accounts from students in all grade levels talking about how they feel about reading. The statistics in the book about how reading impacts learning are astounding, and will make you want to revamp your entire reading block.
I have always known how important it is to give kids time to read, but this book drives the point home. I love that the strategies they share are both easily implemented yet meaningful to readers of all ages.
2. “The End of Molasses Classes” by Ron Clark
Read this if you are hoping to be more out-of-the-box in your teaching style.
Ron Clark is a big name in education. He’s known for his ability to teach in ways that promote rigor while also allowing students to experience the true magic of learning.
In this book, he shares real stories about his experiences in education and gives tips on how to change your classroom dynamic so that students can be excited about learning. His classroom and school transformation are out of this world, and this book gives you insider tips on how to make it happen in your school. I enjoy how his writing style makes it seem as though he is talking to you, like a mentor and friend.
3. “Whole Brain Teaching for Challenging Kids” by Chris Biffle
Read this if you are looking to boost student engagement.
If you haven’t heard of Whole Brain Teaching, stop what you’re doing and YouTube it now! This has been a total game-changer in the classroom for me; engagement has gone up tremendously since implementing these strategies.
Whole Brain Teaching uses a variety of callbacks and hand signals to capture student attention. In this book, you will learn a multitude of strategies that can be used in any classroom to help you manage behavior. This is a classroom-management must-have!
4. “The 5 Second Rule” by Mel Robbins
Read this if you are looking to make positive changes in your life.
This one has nothing to do with education but everything to do with your goals. In this book, Mel Robbins shares her back story and how a simple routine of counting down from five changed her life forever. She shares the science behind the five-second rule and real-life accounts from others who have used it to transform their lives.
This is a great motivator if you’re looking for a way to accomplish many things at once. This is especially great for continuing education students who are trying to find the time to do it all. The book encourages you to break away from excuses and set your mind on the things you want to achieve.
As a fan of reading, I will also suggest that you throw some fiction titles on your reading list, as they provide a great escape from the real world.
Happy reading!
Another way to avoid the summer slump and continue your professional development is to start a graduate-level program in education. Explore American College of Education’s graduate-level programs to find the one that fits your career goals.
