For this week’s post, I want to give a book recommendation to practicing teachers. The book is called What Great Teachers Do Differently: 17 Things That Matter Most by Todd Whitaker.

This book was a choice among several for our book group project in CI 407. I chose this book because it seemed like it would be the most beneficial to me at this point in my teaching career. With interviews coming up as I search for a full-time teaching position, it’s always good to have in the back of your head what makes you stand out. Now that I am half-way through the book, I can say that I am so happy with my choice! This book gives the insight of a former school teacher and principal, who shares his experiences and advice on what makes a great teacher so great. He describes the beliefs, behaviors, attitudes, and interactions of great teachers and explains what they do differently. The book is easy and enjoyable to read, and really makes you reflect on and evaluate your own teaching.

I’m really looking forward to finishing the book, and I hope that others will take interest in it as well! Here are the other book choices we were offered if you are looking for other books focused on education:

50 Myths and Lies that Threaten America’s Public Schools: The Real Crisis in Education

Holler if You Hear Me: The Education of a Teacher And His Students, Second Edition

“Multiplication is for White People”: Raising Expectations for Other People’s Children

“Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?”: And Other Conversations About Race

The Teacher WhoCcouldn’t Read: One Man’s Triumph Over Illiteracy

Why Can’t U Teach Me 2 Read?: Three Students And a Mayor Put Our Schools to The Test

Letters To A Young Teacher

The Teacher Wars: A History of America’s Most Embattled Profession

The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education.

The Flat World and Education: How America’s Commitment to Equity Will Determine Our Future (Multicultural Education)