Cofino and Botbyl offer an accessible mentorship resource for women seeking to enhance their leadership skills and effectiveness. Principal DeAnna Miller found many valuable insights for both women who aspire to ed leadership roles and those interested in mentoring future leaders.
Natalie Wexler dives deep into the gap between academic research and classroom application, firmly supporting the Science of Reading but arguing that a content-rich curriculum is essential to build the background knowledge older students need to understand more complex texts.
Book Reviews / Executive Function / Social & Emotional Learning
by Susan Curtis · Published 09/11/2025
In The Missing Link to Help Them Think, brain research specialist Marilee Sprenger presents the integral link between SEL and executive functions, explaining how to create a bridge between the two. Katie Durkin praises the book as a quick but thorough read helpful all year.
Down Syndrome Out Loud introduces middle graders to people with Down syndrome and to an overview of the condition and its effects. Librarian Steve Tetreault recommends the book join your nonfiction collection to help students gain perspective or see themselves reflected.
Two books from Jason McIntosh – one centering on PBL quests and the other on paleontology investigations – offer advanced students learning challenges not often found in middle grades books, writes Kim Rensch. The books include lesson plans – and a short novel by McIntosh!
The Co-Teaching Power Zone offers educators a framework to navigate the complexities of co-teaching. Throughout the book, author Elizabeth Stein’s emphasis is on building effective, harmonious partnerships that enhance student learning, writes teacher Melinda Stewart.
Karin Hess’s new book exploring cognitive rigor and Webb’s Depth of Knowledge framework provides clarity and practical tools for teachers seeking to design learning experiences that truly deepen understanding. A resource for review, reflection, and refinement of practice, says Kathleen Palmieri.
You’re a Teacher Now: What’s Next? is an easy read that shares a wide range of proven practices for new teachers (and veterans) in an organized and honest way. A “definite recommendation,” says teaching professor Michelle Schwartze, who also likes the free online reproducibles.
Turning It Around by Todd Whitaker and Courtney Monterecy provides both a conceptual framework and a tactical approach for educational leaders committed to creating schools truly worthy of their students through a dual lens of incremental improvement and systemic change.
The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox 2.0 is a thoughtful update to Ferlazzo and Sypnieski’s widely used first edition. Fresh ideas and resources support the learning culture they helped create – one of belonging, inclusivity and working together, writes teacher and coach Melinda Stewart.
