Professional Development Books Worth Reading { with Mrs. D's Corner }

In liu of everyone else sharing books about how to get your Guided Reading groups to work correctly and how to do this and that, I wanted to share a book with you that I believe every teacher should own. It's a book that in inspiring and helps you get back to that place of "this is why I teach!" when you've had a rough day... or week... or year!

If you've not heard of Taylor Mali yet, I'm hoping that you've seen the video below. It's been around for awhile and it's what prompted me to purchase one of his books.

If after watching that video, you don't feel revitalized as a teacher, then you definitely need to read this book:

"I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional Medal of Honor and an A-­‐ feel like a slap in the face. How dare you waste my time with anything less than your very best." - Taylor Mali, "What Teachers Make"

I pre-ordered this book in 2012. At the time, I was working in a very tough, inner city, very urban charter school. I loved the staff that I worked with, but I was constantly going home each night asking myself what in the world I was doing. Why was I a teacher?! Why did I think I could do this?! What else can I possibly be good at so I don't feel incompetent at the end of every day? I remember saying to myself, "I can't seem to get through to these kids! I'm not cut out for this!" It was a true struggle, and even writing about it now brings tears to my eyes.

So I bought this book after the video prompted me to research more about Taylor Mali. The video gave me that reassurance that I needed to remind myself that this is the path that was chosen for me and teaching is what I am supposed to do. I figured the book had to be equally as good.

The book was and still is amazing. It is my absolutely favorite teaching book. I've recommended it to many friends and colleagues, and I've read it myself over a dozen times. For me, this book was my saving grace. It kept me going on days that never seemed to end, and it has filled my heart with love for teaching countless times over.

There's a statistic that floats around saying that most teachers quit at or before year 5. I believe it and I've been there. Not to get all political, but we all know and feel as though we aren't appreciated like we should be, nor are we compensated for all of the extra hours we put in. So to give back and to help reignite the love of teaching flame inside of you, I am giving away 1 copy of Taylor Mali's book What Teachers Make.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What is your favorite teaching book?