Professional books reviewed by educators
Going Global in the World Language Classroom advocates for a shift in language instruction from a focus solely on grammar and vocabulary to one that integrates cultural understanding and global awareness, all to foster curiosity, respect and open-mindedness among our learners.
Lauren Porosoff’s Teach for Authentic Engagement seamlessly ties together the big ideas of student engagement with easy-to-follow protocols, writes Laurie Miller Hornik. The book delves into the 3 spheres in which the students can engage: the content, their work, and each other.
Elementary and middle school educators searching for practical, adaptable student engagement strategies that can be implemented immediately will find inspiration in 50 Strategies for Summer School Engagement. A valuable resource for all year long, writes Michael McLaughlin.
Mandy Manning’s book is essential reading for teachers who are new to the world of language diversity and would be a great PD resource for general education teachers and staff. Teacher Jeanette Pine finds the book clear, concise, easy to navigate, and filled with important reminders.
Aaron Hansen provides a vision and guidance for a student centered approach to learning, backed by practical strategies and real-world examples. While the journey to implement these changes may be challenging, the potential rewards are immense, writes educator Melinda Stewart.
Beginning with reflective exercises to help readers identify their leadership tendencies, Brad and Jeremy Johnson offer a nuanced exploration of the tension between assertiveness and compassion in school leadership and then provide actionable strategies to achieve balance.
Baruti Kafele’s motto,”If it impacts the students, we must be willing to discuss it,” really sums up what this book covers and what equity and social justice work is all about. We cannot continue with business as usual and think we will have better outcomes, writes Claire Stein.
We all deserve to work towards creating a culture of growth in our schools, and reading Mary C. Murphy’s Cultures of Growth on the science of mindset is a wonderful place to start, writes educator Brad Waguespack. The book applies Dweck’s findings to organizations and groups.
Whether you’re curious to bring artificial intelligence into your lesson planning – or the rapid evolution of AI has you feeling anxious – Monica Burns’ “EdTech Essentials: 12 Strategies for Every Classroom in the Age of AI” can help guide you in the effective use of new technologies.
Tamra Stambaugh and Paula Olszewski-Kubilius provide a guidebook to move forward with gifted programs that meet the needs of students living in poverty. “This will be a resource that shapes our gifted education program a long time into the future,” writes district coordinator Kim Rensch.
