A question I am often asked in podcasts and conversations with teachers is, “What books are you reading?”
Sometimes I think it’s because they are genuinely interested in what shapes my perspective, and sometimes I think it’s because they are teachers and they want to ensure I am reading, much like a dentist wants you to floss.
I love reading, but I’m a slow reader in the sense that I enjoy creating content and writing about what I’m reading to help the ideas “stick” in my mind.
This is a sentiment I shared in “Innovate Inside the Box“:
“Reading is an essential part of being a learner, but from my perspective, it is better to read fewer books, reflect deeply, and create something with the knowledge that you have accumulated than to speed read and change nothing.”
There are some books I read for pure enjoyment (typically fiction), but when I want the lessons to stick, I tend to write about them or create some form of content.
As many people head into their summer breaks and look to read some books, I am biased toward checking out books from the IMPress library (including some of my own) that are education-focused.
However, if you are looking for books that might enhance your learning in education but are not specifically focused on the profession, here are a few books I would recommend in no particular order.
“The Pivot Year” by Brianna Wiest
All teaching starts with learning. This book is great if you’re feeling like you’re in a funk or need some deep reflection. We can’t really help others if we can’t take care of ourselves, and this is a great book for fostering internal reflection.
I love this quote from Wiest: “You are exactly where you need to be. This is the perfect day to start your life again.”
That “day” is never a one-time opportunity.
“Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Dan Pink
This is a book I have read several times, and it has had a profoundly influential impact on my perspective on education. Although it was written in 2011, I still frequently return to it. The blog post that I have received the most messages about over the years was titled “The Impact of Awards,” and much of what was written in that post was influenced by Pink’s focus on “what motivates us.”
A question to consider when reading this book is, “How do the lessons from this book apply to my classroom and/or school?”
It challenged me to change my practice, and I am definitely better because of it.
“The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions” by Geoff Woods
This is the newest book on the list, and I was surprised by how much of the book focused on good leadership, rather than AI. I appreciate how it weaves the two ideas together.
This quote embodies Woods’ mentality: “Remember, it’s not the technology that will determine the impact; it’s your leadership.”
If you’re looking for a book that challenges your approach to AI, with a focus on outstanding leadership, this would be a great place to start.
“Money: Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom” by Tony Robbins
This book has taught me a great deal about investing and has shaped my focus on working with students on the concept of “Financial Fluency,” emphasizing that “time in the market” is better than “timing the market.”
One thing I would suggest is that if you are new to investing, you can leverage ChatGPT while reading the book, as it can help define some ideas that might be new to you. A prompt that you can leverage with ChatGPT could be something similar to the following:
“What are some tax-efficient investing strategies that I can leverage over the next 10 years that could help me in retirement?”
If it weren’t for this book, that is a question I would not have even considered. Much of what I learned in that book, I am already teaching my kids.
“The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin
I will not attempt to draw a connection to education on this book.
I picked it up because I was struggling personally, and it gave me some great perspectives on what brings me happiness and what doesn’t. I did an in-depth book review podcast on this book, and you can see some of my key takeaways, many of which still help me when I’m struggling.
Again, you can’t lead others until you have the ability to lead yourself.
These books have made an impact on me, and each is one I revisit often.
If you’d be so kind, I’d love to hear about the “non-education book” that influenced your perspective on education in the comments below. Perhaps, we can make a reading list together!
“The Happiness Advantage,” by Shawn Achor
“Think Like a Monk,” by Jay Shetty
“What Made Maddy Run,” by Kate Fagan
are three titles I recommend (alongside many more!)
PS – I ALWAYS love a great book list! Thanks for the suggestions. I second “The Happiness Project” and “Drive!”
One book that I have now read twice and plan on doing a book study with my staff this year is “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon. It is not only applicable to education but to your personal life if you find yourself stuck in a rut. I have his 10 rules posted above my work computer to remind me daily.
One book I read recently that could have a lot of parallel examples with education is – Better, A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance by Atul Gawande. There’s a lot to draw from the practice of medicine and apply to teaching, especially when you want to think about which practices to scale but preserve the humane aspects of it. His other book called The Checklist Manifesto is pretty helpful when it comes to improving processes. I actually discovered Atul Gawande because Jim Knight referenced his work in his book on instructional coaching.
Very nice. I am going to check a few of these out over the next few months. Thank you.