A Lesson Plan for Teachers

Over the years, I have stumbled upon quite a few great books for new teachers. Some are motivating, some offer great tips, and some simply get you in the right mindset for back to school.

So, here we go!

The 7 Best Books for New Teachers

1. At the very top of my list is Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. It’s a kids book, so it’s an easy and fast read, but it has so many positive messages for you to take away and apply to your new start.   I also gave copies of this book to my seniors at graduation each year. In my opinion, a good book should always be passed on to the next generation!
2. One of the most important challenges as a new teachers is forming great working relationships with your new co-workers.  Working in teams or within departments can require great effort. The FISH Philosophy can help with that!  It’s also a quick and easy read, but it’s filled with so many tips to help you, and your team get off to a great start!
3. I’m old school, so I have to include this old classic.  The First Days of School by Wong & Wong is often assigned in methods classes, but it is also one you just want to keep on your shelf for those oh, so challenging first days! It has tips galore, but more importantly, it has that positive outlook so important for all teachers.
4. Despite my being a very “high expectations” middle and high school teacher, I still see incredible value in reading children’s books! I love them, and my students love them! So, why wouldn’t new teachers love them, too?!  That brings me to another favorite – The Berenstain Bears Go To School.  It just sets the stage for all of us in preparing for that very first day.
5. Your First Year by Todd Whitaker and his daughters (all teachers) is book simply filled with great advice. They share tips for both elementary and secondary teachers and it lays out an incredible foundation for starting off your new year.
6. Every teacher needs a survival kit! First Year Teacher’s Survival Kit by Julia Thompson offers strategy ideas, tools and tips, and simple advice to help keep you sane in your first few days and beyond. 
7. And I can’t leave out the book that got this whole thing started! Mine!

My book has been a great success so far, and the feedback from teachers has been so wonderful. I hope it will continue to help new teachers (and the experienced ones) as they tackle each new school year with the same confidence and enthusiasm that I did!

A Lesson Plan for Teachers, New and Old! is available for download at TeachersPayTeachers.com or at Amazon in print version.

Read an excerpt here!

And if you really want more books to read over the summer before your school year starts, here’s a list of 50 Best Books for New Teachers!  Now that’s a lot of reading!

Happy Teaching!