Summer vacation is here! As an educator, you’re surely excited for some much-needed rest and relaxation after a busy school year and hectic testing season. Over summer break, you may have big plans, like going on vacation, spending time with family, or catching up on your hobbies. Summertime can also be a great time to catch up on your reading list! Now that some free time has opened up for you, we’ve compiled a list of books for educators to read during summer break.
In this book, Alexandra Robbins goes behind the scenes to tell the inspiring stories of three educators––working in different regions of the U.S. in different specialties and positions at their school––as they navigate a year in the classroom. Interspersed among the teachers' stories are hard-hitting essays featuring cutting-edge reporting on the biggest issues facing teachers today, such as school violence; parent behavior; inadequate support, staffing, and resources; teacher burnout; and the pandemic.
2. Because of a Teacher: Stories of the Past to Inspire the Future of Education by George Couros
As an educator, what you do matters. Teachers impact the lives of students every day, and that impact has a domino effect. In this collection of heartwarming stories, teachers recall and reflect upon the educators who inspired them. The advice and strategies in this book will help first-year and seasoned teachers alike, offering hope, encouragement, and reassurance about choosing the teaching profession.
Decades of research indicate the impressive benefits of mindfulness in social, emotional, and cognitive development. A practical guide for mindfulness in life and in school, this book invites educators to take advantage of this vital tool in order to cultivate attention, compassion, and wellbeing in students, as well as in themselves.
4. Teaching When the World Is on Fire by Lisa D. Delpit
In this collection of essays and stories, Lisa Delpit shares helpful advice for K–12 teachers on engaging students around today's toughest issues. With observations, ideas, and insights from a variety of educators, this book inspires teachers to support their students in navigating the current events, cultural shifts, and social dilemmas that shape our communities and our country.
Sharon Salzberg, mindfulness expert and meditation teacher, shares valuable guidance for cultivating mindfulness, compassion, and awareness at work. This book is focused on improving the positives of working life while mitigating the negative feelings of stress, exhaustion, and feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated.
6. Take Time for You: Self-Care Action Plans for Educators by Tina H. Boogren
In this book, Tina H. Boogren offers manageable, research-based strategies based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs that will guide educators to develop their own individualized self-care plans. Through mindfulness, reflection, and daily self-care activities, teachers can thrive in both their professional and personal lives.
No matter what your genre of choice is, you’re sure to find a page-turner in this list. For more great reads to add to your list, check out Time’s list of some of the best books released in 2023.
Happy summer from all of us at Speak Agent! We hope you enjoy your well-deserved break.
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