10 books that absolutely made me a better educator.

I am a book addict. I absolutely love reading and being inspired by great books, authors, and educators.

Here is my top ten list that I recommend every educator read…(and some social media recommendations to stay connected with the authors as well).

Kids Deserve It! If you want to be motivated, inspired and ready to incorporate new ideas and strategies in your school, this is your book. It is simply education gold.

I led a faculty book study using this book and it was a huge hit. Teachers in all grade levels (PreK-5 and special area), were inspired and implemented new strategies.

It is rare to find a gem like this that unites an entire faculty. Huge blessing and great impact!

I definitely recommend following Todd and Adam on all social media. They host chats, engage with educators, and are always filled with motivational words of wisdom. When you have a chance, check out Todd’s Ted Talk, too!

This book!! I want it to go home from the hospital with every new parent. So much gold here about how to raise kids who make our world a better place. As an educator, I have used many of Michele’s acronyms and strategies in my classroom.

This book is perfect for school counselors, great for parents, and important for anyone involved with children. I actually had the pleasure of meeting Michele Borba at a presentation and she equally engaging and delightful in person.

Michele is active on social media and she has been a guest on many popular tv shows.

I adore Ron Clark and I have read all of his books. I have been to RCA three times and will return anytime an opportunity presents itself. I emphatically encourage you to seek out his wisdom and passion.

This is Ron’s top book in my opinion. Great read to assess how you make a difference (or could) at your school. This is a great book or gift for any educational leader who values culture and puts students first.

Follow the Ron Clark Academy on all social media platforms. You will be inspired.

Dave Burgess is such a dynamic presenter and motivator. His enthusiasm is contagious! His approach to education is so refreshing and completely student-centered. He has inspired me to teach way out of the box and go the extra mile for kids.

ALL of the “Pirate” books are exceptional and filled with takeaways and impactful practices. Check out his website and start your journey with this education rock star and his pirate crew. Lots of gold and treasure here!

Dave is all over social media! I especially love following him on Twitter. If you want to connect with someone to stretch your educational skills, follow Dave!

Kim Bearden is the co-founder of The Ron Clark Academy. She is brilliant. This book is fabulous for anyone who wants to have better relationships with co-workers, parents, or just people in general. Honestly, this book is good for non-educators as well.

Kim has a gift of compassion and communication that leaps off of the pages of this book. I love how she gives very simple and exact strategies that are tested and proven. Her love for her students and fellow educators is beyond evident in this book and in her daily character.

Like Ron, Kim is very active on social media. Follow her on all platforms and be blessed.

O.K., this isn’t a book, but I just love this video. It was my doorway to learn about this education rock star.

Kayla Delzer is the reason I have flexible seating in my classroom (seriously the best thing ever for my students and for increasing engagement in my classroom). She is a champion for what is best for kids. “Relationships first. Everything else second.”

When you have a chance, read and watch all things Kayla. She is also very engaging with educators on social media – like a long lost friend! She will brighten your day and inspire you to go the extra mile for your students.

Yes, back to the Ron Clark Academy and I have no apologies.

Hope and Wade King are the couple you want to have over for dinner. They inspire and laugh and make magic. Phenomenal ideas, high engagement strategies for high standards, and making learning memorable are all in this book!

This was our most recent faculty book study. Our team gained so many ideas and strategies for student success. The room transformations, chants, and glow lights made challenging learning magical and memorable as we applied what we learned from Hope and Wade.

You will want to time-travel after reading this book just so you can have Hope and Wade as your middle school teachers.

This book is a little atypical for an education blog, but it just touched my heart. I felt like I was pulling back the curtain and looking inside so many of my students’ lives.

This book gave me a deeper understanding of students who struggle with family stability. It is also such a compelling story of overcoming obstacles.

**This book does have explicit language. I share this only to let the reader know you might not want to listen to the audio book on a family car trip (not that I learned that for myself, of course).

Want to gain an understanding of what it might be like to be a child who is experiencing homelessness? Crenshaw shares the story of a boy named Jackson and his feline imaginary friend, Crenshaw.

The reader is placed right into Jackson’s shoes and it is such a touching tale of friendship and perseverance. I read it aloud to my 3rd graders and we all needed tissues.

If I were a college professor, I would add this book as required reading in my syllabus for all prospective school counselors. Katherine Applegate truly captured the feelings and journey of a vulnerable child.

Katherine is active on social media and has many other great books which are fabulous reads for all ages (Wishtree/The One and Only Ivan).

Like, Hillbilly Elegy, Born a Crime is an atypical educator/school counselor book. However, learning about growing up bi-racial during apartheid in South Africa is powerful for anyone who works with children. It is also heartbreaking.

I appreciate so much Trevor sharing his story so the world can see the atrocities of apartheid and racism and use his story to create change for today’s children.

I specifically put the audiobook image because I recommend hearing the story in Trevor’s voice. Trevor is on social media and the host of The Daily Show.

**Adult language is also in this book – family car trip warning.

Bonus! If you don’t read or watch anything else today, watch Rita Pierson. You will be blessed and your students will benefit. A true champion for all students!

Happy reading and learning and growing and dreaming!

What are your favorites? Which educators have made an impact on you or your school counseling program/classroom? I would love to hear from you!