Professional books reviewed by educators
Zaretta Hammond examines the cultivation of “cognitive justice” to ensure that every student, especially those from historically marginalized groups, experiences the full rigor, challenge and coaching necessary to develop as an independent, powerful learner, says Melinda Stewart.
Not Your Granny’s Grammar offers a fresh, engaging, and practical approach to grammar rooted in authentic writing practice. It’s well organized to guide teachers through the philosophy, structure, and application of a comprehensive grammar study, writes NBCT Kathie Palmieri.
Building on her previous writings redefining rigor in education, teaching coach Barbara R. Blackburn shares fresh tools, strategies, and insights to add rigor to your teaching in ways that are meaningful, engaging and appropriately challenging for all students.
“The Classroom of Choice” is perfect for teachers seeking ways to strengthen their classrooms and curriculum using Choice Theory so students thrive as learners and humans, says MS teacher and NBCT Angela Lee. Each chapter has specific, ready to use, research based strategies.
Tony Frontier encourages decision makers to view artificial intelligence as a tool for both teachers and students. This tool only works when it’s used with intention. Frontier provides a framework for schools to use AI in purposeful ways, writes veteran teacher Chris Wagner.
Narrative Writing with Latinx Teens is an amazing exploration of the role of narrative writing in the lives of Latinx adolescents. It is not just a guide for educators, but a rich examination of the intersection between culture, identity and storytelling, says Melinda Stewart.
What math veteran Amy Leach found especially valuable in Pamela Harris’s book was how thoroughly she defines types of mathematical reasoning. It’s not just “reason, don’t memorize.” Harris explains how to move beyond algorithms with crystal-clear written and video examples.
Whether you are looking for ways to incorporate poetry into your existing curriculum or create a stand-alone poetry unit, Awakening the Heart is a treasure chest of activities, projects, mentor texts, and teaching strategies to support your work, writes teacher Jeny Randall.
Dennis Magliozzi and Christina Peterson share what they learned when they introduced AI into their 9th grade writer’s workshop model. Their results show how including AI can deepen inquiry, provide meaningful feedback in real time, and expand learning, says Catherine Cottingham.
Using Technology in a Differentiated Classroom is a well-structured, research-backed guide for educators looking to increase efficiency as they integrate technology into their instructional practices, writes Melinda Stewart, who describes the book’s core strategies as “timeless.”
