Let’s be honest—teachers don’t exactly have a ton of free time to curl up with a good book. But every once in a while, we come across one that’s worth the time. The kind that shifts your thinking, helps you get unstuck, or just reminds you why you started teaching in the first place. If you’re looking for books that will actually help—not just take up space on your shelf—this list is for you. These are books every teacher should read, whether you’re new to the classroom or you’ve been at it for decades.
Let’s dive into these 9 amazing teacher books. (This post contains affiliate links—you pay the same price.)
Teacher Books to Reignite Your Passion
1. The Wild Card by Wade and Hope King
This book is truly a gem. I read it in one afternoon because I couldn’t put it down. It’s a great reminder that teaching isn’t just about content, but about the experience that you provide for your students. If your lessons are starting to feel a little… predictable, this is the boost you might need. It’s full of true stories and ideas that’ll make you want to get started right away.
2. How To Love Teaching Again by Jamie Sears
This book offers a refreshing and realistic look at how to navigate the stress and burnout educators face. She offers real, practical ideas for taking back your time and energy without guilt—including batching lesson plans, setting boundaries, and avoiding the comparison trap. This one felt like a friendly conversation with a teacher friend, and I loved listening to the audiobook that Jamie herself recorded.
3. Move Your Bus by Ron Clark
Ron Clark’s energy is contagious. He uses brief scenarios and fictional characters to represent different personalities at every school, and he doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He challenges teachers to raise the bar with hard work, high expectations, and the ability to join in with administrators and teachers to create a positive, driven school culture.
4. Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess
Yes, the title is a little wild. But the message is solid: bring passion, creativity, and a bit of boldness to your classroom. Dave Burgess shares ways to make your teaching feel more like an experience, not just a delivery system. Each chapter in the book is built around the acronym PIRATE, which stands for Passion, Immersion, Rapport, Ask and Analyze, Transformation, and Enthusiasm.
Books Rooted in Relationships
5. An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
This true story hit me hard—in a good way. It’s not a “teacher book” exactly, but it speaks volumes about the impact one person can have on a child’s life. This true story follows Laura, a busy professional in New York City, who decides to stop and help an 11-year-old boy panhandling on the street. It starts with one small act of kindness, but turns into a lasting connection that changes both of their lives.
6. The Courage to Teach by Parker J. Palmer
This book is a reflective read that explores the connection between who we are and how we teach.Parker Palmer reminds us that great teaching comes from within—not just from technique, but from being true to ourselves. It’s a thoughtful, encouraging book for any teacher looking to reconnect with their purpose, especially when the job starts to feel a little off track.
Books That Level Up Your Communication & Mindset
7. Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg
This one isn’t specifically written for teachers, but wow—it should be. Duhigg breaks down what makes some conversations work and others fall flat. It gave me a lot to think about when it comes to how I talk with students, coworkers, and even parents. Super practical and easy to digest, which is a win in my book.
8. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This one’s made the rounds—and for good reason. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters, better. He shares three main lessons that are packed with practical tips for building good habits and letting go of the ones that aren’t helping at all.
9. Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
If you’ve ever had a million tabs open in your brain and felt like you were forgetting something important…this book is for you. It’s all about organizing your notes, ideas, and resources in a way that’s searchable and stress-free. Total game-changer if you’re juggling lesson ideas, student info, and school to-dos all at once.
Books Just for Fun
Of course, we all need some books to read just for fun. Here’s a few I’ve recently enjoyed:
- No Hiding in Boise by Kim Hooper
- The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
- Hannah Swenson mystery series by Joanne Fluke
- Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
You don’t need to read them all at once. Pick one that fits where you are right now. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, better systems, or just a reminder that what you do matters—these are books every teacher should read.
Have you read any of these? Or do you have a favorite teacher book I didn’t include? I’d love to hear what’s on your shelf! Drop a comment or send me a message—I’m always on the hunt for a good book.
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