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by The Propello Crew on Mar 1, 2023 5:39:17 PM
If there's one thing educators have in common, it's that we pride ourselves in being lifelong learners. Maybe you're looking for inspiration or even a chance to hone your craft. Knowing that we're always searching for our next hot read, the Propello Crew has created a quick list of books, in no specific order, that are topping our list these days. Books have played a tremendous role in our own growth (as individuals and a company). We hope you enjoy these as much as we have.
Amanda's Recommended Reads
Amanda Bratten
VP of Content and Curriculum
"Natalie Wexler's The Knowledge Gap is a thoroughly engaging and sometimes jaw-dropping exploration on why knowledge-rich curriculum for all children is a (maybe THE) answer to solving the achievement gap."
Read The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler
Lisa's Recommended Reads
Lisa Thayne
Lead Editorial Program Manager
“One I like is Teach Like Finland by Timothy Walker. What I loved about it was that it was an easy read - and it gave practical tips you could use right away. It allows you to look at your classroom and find ways of changing the focus from achievement/testing - to joy. Though some things you can't change - like recess every hour - you can focus on specific ways of improving five areas: well-being, belonging, autonomy, mastery, and mindset.”
Read Teach Like Finland by Timothy Walker
“Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching and Learning by Sharroky Hollie does a good job of providing background and practical strategies for supporting culturally responsive teaching in the areas of classroom management, academic literacy, academic vocabulary, academic language, and the classroom environment.”
Read Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching and Learning by Sharroky Hollie
Julie's Recommended Reads
Julie Waid, Ed.D.
Product Marketing Manager
"The Death and Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch puts the test-based accountability model into historical context. I thought it was a really good read for understanding how the standardized testing that is so central to American public education came to be."
Read The Death and Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch
"The Language Lens: A Guide for K-12 Educators of English and Academic Language Learners by Sarah Ottow has been my all time favorite book I've read in the last few years. It discusses how students, not just English learners, are all learners of academic language and how to incorporates strategies that help students read, write, listen and speak academic language (the language of school) that helps prepare them to communicate academically and professionally."
Read The Language Lens for Content Classrooms by Sarah Ottow
"Here's another - Teaching With Poverty In Mind: What Being Poor Does to Kids' Brains and What Schools Can Do About It by Eric Jenson. Because I taught in Title 1 schools, this book was very helpful for me in understanding how to best work with students living in poverty to help maximize their success in school."
Read Teaching with Poverty in Mind by Eric Jenson
"Talk Read, Talk Write by Nancy Motley wwas written mostly to help English learners but is awesome for all students. Really great resource for helping students synthesize what they read and be able to dialogue and write about it."
Justice's Recommended Reads
Justice Ejike, MAT
Science Editor
"Deep Work by Cal Newport talks a lot about the science of learning and how to create an environment conducive to cognition."
"We Want to Do More Than Just Survive by Bettina Love talks about creating (and sustaining) change in local schools through abolitionist teaching. Her work gives me "good trouble, necessary trouble" vibes."
"Subtractive Schooling by Angela Valenzuela outlines some of the deep systemic harm perpetuated in public schools through assimilation. It's been a while since I read that one but she influenced me to change my teaching approach. Every teacher should be familiar with this one. It's a great read."
"Ain't No Making It by Jay MacLeod is a great book for understanding the social realities our students face that often undermine our instruction. Why/how can we meet our students where they are and why should they even give a darn about education?"
"Last one - For White Folks that Teach in the Hood and the Rest of Y'all Too by Chris Emdin outlines approaches to teaching that are specific to low income minority students. He critiques the hegemonic reality that many students encounter in schools and works to provide recommendations that transform schools into more inviting and culturally sustaining communities. He is a super talented researcher and educator and conveys his work in digestible and intriguing narratives. Another must read."
Read For White Folks that Teach in the Hood and the Rest of Y'all Too by Chris Emdin