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As a result of working in many
schools across the county, I experienced very different
school environments, mostly divided by socio-economics.
Frustrated by some of the differences, I became
interested in the causes and solutions to these
inequalities. All Together Now: Creating
Middle-Class Schools Through Public School Choice by
Richard D. Kahlenberg, is a fascinating book that
addressed exactly those concerns. As a result of
reading this book I felt less mystified by my
experiences, and more determined to be actively involved
in educating everyone about what is going on and what
can be done about it. There is nothing like research to
back up your opinions.
Kris Campbell, Elementary Art, Englewood Elementary
I recently read a book entitled Teach With
Your Strengths: How Great Teachers Inspire Their
Students by Rosanne Liesveld and Jo Ann Miller. The
book is an extremely easy read in which you will catch
yourself connecting to the material time and again. Upon
completion of this text, there is a website to visit to
take an assessment that gives your top 5 strengths!
Felicia Herrera, 5th Grade Teacher, Louis
Sheffield Elementary
Reading Power by Adrienne Gear is
organized with five reading strategies and activities.
This book includes student samples and practical tools
that help teachers and students understand what is
happening in the head of the reader. Included is an
extensive booklist for teaching each strategy. I have
used this for helping new teachers as well as veterans.
It can be used K-5.
Jennifer Grzeskowiak, 4th Grade, Greenland Pines
Elementary
This is one of my favorite books!
When I read The Fluent Reader by Timothy Rasinski,
it offered interactive methods for teaching fluency.
While applying the research-based activities, I found
the practical instruction very effective. The
techniques can be applied K-12.
Jennifer Grzeskowiak, 4th Grade, Greenland Pines
Elementary
I recently read Still Learning
to Read: Teaching
Students in Grades 3-6 by Franki
Sibbersona and Karen Szymusiak. This can be used by
teachers for classroom routines, to promote student
independence, and supply multiple planning forms. This
book offers purposeful and effective ideas for grouping
which is a big help for training new teachers.
Jennifer Grzeskowiak, 4th Grade, Greenland Pines
Elementary
I attended Professional
Learning Communities (PLC) training based on Learning
by Doing by Richard Dufour, Rebecca DuFour, Robert
Eaker, and Thomas Many. The book provides practical
steps for creating successful PLCs in our schools. I
have already witnessed growth in students and teachers
as a result of implementing ideas from this book.
Susan Tidwell, School Instruction Coach, Sandalwood
High School
A Framework for Understanding
Poverty by Ruby Payne is for anyone who teaches
students that live in poverty. It provides a new
understanding of what we're up against, especially in
regards to how much we have to do in the area of
literacy to put these children on a level playing
field.
Susan Tidwell, Keystone Teacher, Sandalwood High
School
My absolute favorite book to use in
American Government is A Patriot's Handbook: Songs,
Poems, Stories, and Speeches Celebrating the Land We
Love compiled by Caroline Kennedy. It's perfect for
readalouds (some led to "cry-alouds"), for warm-ups and
wrap-ups, and it provides a basis for rich conversation
and debate.
Susan Tidwell, American Government Teacher,
Sandalwood High School
I especially enjoyed the
energy and positive attitude that Fish! by
Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen gave
me to launch my career as a beginning teacher. In 2006,
a companion volume to Fish! was published,
entitled Schools of Fish by Phillip Strand, John
Christensen, and Andy Harper. This updated "twist" on
the Fish! philosophy was specifically created for
educators. It demonstrates how building stronger
relationships with our students fortifies the teaching
process and results in better learning. The book
reminds all educators that our job is not just teaching
students to learn, we are inspiring them to want to
learn, so that motivation will ultimately come
from within.
Alison Watson, Kindergarten Teacher, Beauclerc
Elementary
I enjoyed the sensational There
are No Shortcuts by Rafe Esquith and keep returning
to the wisdom of Esquith's words for inspiration.
Esquith writes many personal and heartfelt stories of
his successes and struggles as a teacher of fifth and
sixth grade students living in an urban,
low income neighborhood. He declares that success comes
from students, teachers, and parents being dedicated,
persevering, and having a superior work ethic. One of
his incredible solutions to the challenges he faced
daily was to "ramp up" the curriculum and teach his
students about the works of Shakespeare, which they
totally embraced and performed with theatrical gusto! He
has encouraged me to think outside the box and always do
what is right for children because what we can imagine
we can also inspire those around us to achieve.
Alison Watson, Kindergarten Teacher, Beauclerc
Elementary
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