Books

1. Summarization in Any Subject: 60 Innovative, Tech-Infused Strategies for Deeper Student Learning by Rick Wormeli and Dedra Stafford

This book is useful for language arts teachers as well as content area teachers. It offers a rationale for the practice of summarizing, practical tips and strategies to teach note taking, paraphrasing, and picking out most important information when summarizing. The writing style is humorous, personable, and reader-friendly, whicn makes it suitable for busy teachers.

I chose this book as a good resource for literacy coaches and teachers who want to discuss and try out engaging approaches to teaching summarizing. This is an important reading skill at all levels, especially in middle and high school content area. This can be a book for the whole staff to enjoy studying.

2. Whole Novels for the Whole Class by Ariel Sacks

This book is for teachers in grades 5-8. The methods recommended are tested and tried in the field, since the author herself shares her experience of implementing them with her students. Methods include not only how to use novels to teach comprehension strategies and basic literacy skills, but also how to look a novels as works of art and teach critical thinking skills and literature appreciation.

I chose this book as appropriate and useful for a book study that literacy coaches can organize in middle and high schools, for English and content area teachers alike.

3. Mosaics of Thought: The Power of Comprehension Strategy Instruction by Ellin Keene and Susan Zimmermann

This is a collection of stories describing classrooms of various teachers who use specific comprehension strategies to teach children how to think about their reading. A special twist is that the writers weave into each story an account of their own reading experience, connecting the way they think about reading (and the way they apply comprehension strategies to make sense of the text) to how kids approach their reading. Each chapter is dedicated to one strategy, and they include making connections between old and new (prior knowledge), determining importance, deep questioning, using sensory images, inferring, synthesizing, and problem-solving to support independent reading (fix-ups).

I chose this jargon-free and reader-friendly book as a good catalyst for discussions about effective comprehension strategies. Literacy coaches can organize PD sessions and training in comprehension instruction based on this book’s format and content.

4. Reading to Make a Difference: Using Literature to Help Students Speak Freely, Think Deeply, and Take Action by Lester Laminack and Katie Kelly

This book gives a rationale, an explanation, resources and examples of using diverse literature in the classroom–not as a repository of exotic foods, culture, and holidays, but as a vehicle for inspiring social action and for encouraging awareness of and appreciation for diversity. It’s literacy, social equity, and culturally responsive teaching all in one.

I chose this book because teachers need to reflect on how (and to what purpose) they use diverse materials in their instruction. Practical examples provide ideas to try out in the classroom, and literacy coaches can facilitate this through demonstration, observation, and discussion.

5. What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers across America by Ted Dintersmith

“An inspiring account of teachers in ordinary circumstances doing extraordinary things, showing us how to transform education” (from the book description). The author visited schools all over America and wrote how successful and innovative teaching, as well as deep and joyous learning is happening in regular classrooms everywhere. In his stories, he shows us how effective and innovative teachers “implement small changes that can make a difference”, preparing their students not only for college, but for life. He offers practical ideas and suggestions for a new vision of innovative and purpose-driven schools.

I chose this book as an inspirational read for the whole staff, especially as they discuss improvements and prepare to lay out a literacy plan for the upcoming school year. It challenges all to examine their own approach to teaching and learning in the 21ct century.

Bonus Book for Literacy Coaches

The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation by Elena Aguilar

“This practical resource offers the foundational skills and tools needed by new coaching educators, as well as presenting an overview of the knowledge and theory base behind the practice” (from the book description). The approach the author uses is transformational coaching which focuses on equity and establishing student-centered learning environments.

I chose this book as a good resource for literacy coaches, but also for all other teachers who share in their literacy leadership through collaboration.

Websites

1. Teaching Channel

This resource is familiar to many teachers, but it is great for PD, too. Their archive is organized and searchable by district, topic, subject, and grade level. A topic of interest in the context of this post would be professional learning. Not only do they have videos (which are quick and engaging ways for busy teachers to get information), but they also have articles and printable resources. Signup is free.

2. Annenberg Learner

This website describes itself as “teacher resources and professional development across the curriculum.” Their video series and interactives are organized by subject and grade level, and they also include a facilitator guide for their workshops and courses. Their interactive workshops are especially valuable for PD. For example, each section of their interactive writing workshop for grades 3-5 provides opportunities for teachers to examine their practice and relevant literature, analyze videos of master teachers in action, extend their learning, put it into practice, and reflect on it.

3. Intel® Education Teaching Tools and Resources

The founders of this website describe it as “created by educators, for educators, our resources are designed to help passionate teachers integrate technology effectively into their curriculum to engage students and help them reach their full potential.” Some courses are not free, but if you go to their Teach Elements, you will find free PD resources for effective technology integration to engage students in digital learning, such as project-based approaches, transitioning to blended learning, fostering collaboration in a digital classroom, as well as planning, managing, and developing student-centered assessment strategies. Instructional coaches can download a free facilitation toolkit with guides and other materials.

4. Education World

This website has resources for administrators and teachers, technology, PD, lesson plans, and printable templates. The PD archive tab on the left groups articles and resources by topic, including school improvement, school climate, community context, problem solving, and academic subjects. Their PD online courses are not free, but they do offer CEU hours for completion.

5. KQED Education

This website offers free resources for media literacy teaching and learning. There are free PD courses, classroom resources, and discussion platforms. Media literacy is often neglected in the classroom,which makes this a great resource both for teachers and students.

Your Turn

What are some books and/or websites that your school uses (or has used in the past) for professional development?

Please share your experiences in the comments below!

Thanks!