The holidays offer teachers a rare and precious opportunity: a time to step back, recharge, and reignite the passion that brought them into education in the first place. But choosing the right books during this time can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for strategies to spark engagement, refine your classroom management skills, or simply find renewed purpose, the right reading material can serve as a powerful guide.
Here’s a curated selection of ten must-read books for teachers — each one offering unique insights, practical strategies, and a fresh perspective to take into the new academic year.
1. Notice and Note: Strategies for Close Reading by G. Kylene Beers
If you’re ready to sharpen your students’ analytical skills, Notice and Note deserves a spot on your shelf. Beers presents a detailed guide to teaching close reading, offering a six-step method that helps students question, infer, and truly engage with texts. Designed with Language Arts teachers in mind, it’s particularly suited for readers aged Year 5 to 11, but its methods are widely applicable across disciplines.
2. Don’t Change the Light Bulbs by Andy Lewis
Bursting with practical advice across a vast range of subjects, Andy Lewis’s Don’t Change the Light Bulbs is a compendium of wisdom from some of the UK’s most dynamic educators. With each subject area condensed into a handy ten-step format, it’s an ideal book for busy teachers who want quick, impactful ideas. Perfect for primary and secondary teachers alike, it challenges traditional divides and inspires innovation.
3. Unleashing Great Teaching by David Weston
Professional development is vital—but how do we make it truly effective? Weston’s Unleashing Great Teaching shifts the focus from teacher performance to student outcomes, offering rich insights into what real growth looks like. With practical checklists, case studies, and frameworks sensitive to the realities of school life, it’s a valuable resource for everyone in education, from headteachers to classroom assistants.
4. When the Adults Change, Everything Changes by Paul Dix
Behaviour management doesn’t have to be dry or draconian. Paul Dix’s When the Adults Change, Everything Changes injects humour, humanity, and common sense into this critical area. Full of relatable anecdotes and heartfelt advice, it’s a reminder that empathy and consistency are key to creating a calm and respectful classroom. A must-read for teachers across all age groups.
5. Of Teaching, Learning and Sherbet Lemons by Nina Jackson
Don’t let the title fool you—this isn’t a guide to sweet treats, but to revitalising your teaching practice. Acting as an educational “agony aunt,” Nina Jackson offers thoughtful advice on overcoming everyday classroom challenges. Whether you’re a newly qualified teacher or an experienced educator, this book provides a rich collection of strategies to bring the “fizz” back into your lessons.
6. The Teacher’s Guide to SEN by Natalie Packer
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can often feel like a daunting area for many teachers. Natalie Packer’s The Teacher’s Guide to SEN breaks it down clearly, explaining acronyms, highlighting responsibilities, and offering practical strategies for supporting every student. This guide is essential for educators working across early years, primary, and secondary settings.
7. Clean Language in the Classroom by Julie McCracken
This isn’t about curbing foul language—it’s about communication free from assumptions. McCracken’s Clean Language in the Classroom teaches how to foster genuine dialogue, promoting respect and self-awareness among students. An excellent tool for primary teachers, it helps build a classroom culture where students feel heard and empowered to explore their own motivations.
8. Think Before You Teach by Martin Illingworth
Why teach? How should you teach? These are the essential questions at the heart of Think Before You Teach. Illingworth invites readers—especially those entering the profession or in training—to reflect critically on their teaching journey. It’s a thought-provoking read that encourages self-evaluation and continual growth.
9. Take Control of the Noisy Class by Rob Plevin
Struggling with classroom chaos? Rob Plevin’s Take Control of the Noisy Class offers a lifeline. With clear, actionable behaviour management strategies and access to supplementary video tutorials, this guide empowers teachers to transform their classrooms into calm, positive spaces. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by disruption.
10. Uncharted Territories: Adventures in Learning by Hywel Roberts
Education isn’t about chasing exam results—it’s about shaping meaningful learning journeys. In Uncharted Territories, Roberts reimagines curriculum delivery as a bold, creative adventure. Encouraging teachers to see beyond standardised testing, this book is a breath of fresh air for educators who want to inspire and challenge their students at every stage.
Final Thoughts
Teaching is a profession that demands both heart and resilience. The best teachers know that learning never stops—not for their students, and certainly not for themselves. Whether you’re seeking fresh strategies, deep reflection, or just a dose of inspiration, these ten books offer a rich variety of perspectives to guide and energize your practice.
So, as you enjoy a well-earned break, why not invest a little time in one (or several) of these powerful reads? Your future students—and your future self—will thank you.
