Teachers’ Summer Reading List

It’s safe to say that this past year has probably been the most challenging year for teachers around the world, and it’s still a little bit unclear what the 2020-21 school year has in store.  No matter what your context looks like in the fall, this summer is a great time to take a step back and brush up on some best practices that will serve you and students well, regardless of this year’s learning environment. 

1. Blended Learning Basics 

You’ve built so much skill and capacity with technology this year! These books will help you think through how to continue to use those skills in the classroom, in a hybrid, or fully online environment this year. Take this summer to think through a strategic plan for using technology in a way that enhances your students’ learning experience. 

2. Real Talk About Time Management 

Balance has been in low supply. Read this book to get some really practical tips about how to manage your time to get some balance and rest this year – whether you’re teaching in the classroom or at home. If you want some tips on time management from home, read this blog post from author Serena Pariser. 

3. Distance Learning Playbook 

Many schools will continue distance learning full– or part–time in the fall. The pandemic teaching of Spring 2020 was not really distance learning, but rather crisis teaching. With this playbook, teachers have the opportunity to prepare for distance learning with purpose and intent—using what works best to accelerate students’ learning all the while maintaining an indelible focus on equity. 

4. Sparking Student Motivation 

One of teachers’ major concerns during distance learning was ensuring that students were motivated and engaged. Eric Anderman’s guide for Sparking Student Motivation will give you practical steps to encourage and help develop all student’s motivation this year, whether from home or in the classroom. 

5. Keep It Real With PBL 

For a deep and authentic learning experiences in face-to-face, hybrid, or online classrooms, look no further than Project-Based Learning. Author Jenny Pieratt walks you through the full project planning process in these books, and you’ll also receive access to her Online PBL Guide when you purchase the book, so you can adapt your project plans to any learning context this year. 

Bonus Picks: Best Practices in Each Discipline 

Keep your eye out for Math Essentials and Literacy Essentials lists to publish later this month. In the meantime, check out these top picks in each core discipline