15 Interesting Professional Development Books for English Teachers

Reading professional development books for English teachers is a key way to get new ideas for your classroom. It is an important part of a teacher’s career. It is critical that teachers continue learning and do not become stagnant. I love that, as teachers, we have 24/7 access to teaching ideas through our social media accounts, Google and Pinterest search, as well as through books.

It is important that, as middle school and high school English teachers, we continue our professional development through books, workshops, and our PLC communities, which is why I’ve compiled this list of professional development books for English teachers.

Why is Professional Development Important?

Professional development is vital in ensuring teachers are continuously growing in their professional practice. It benefits both teachers and students by promoting effective teaching practices and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

While attending in-person or online professional development, teachers can learn about new instructional strategies, teaching methods, and educational technologies that can inspire them to try new things in the classroom.

For English teachers, it is essential to remember that the way we teach English is constantly evolving. New literary works, writing styles, and language usage trends emerge over time. It is important that teachers incorporate new texts, authors, and literary theories into their curriculum, making the learning experience more relevant and engaging for students.

Teachers play a crucial role in fostering a love for learning in their students. By engaging in their own professional development, teachers serve as role models for lifelong learning. When teachers demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, it encourages students to value education and embrace a growth mindset. And professional development books for English teachers can help with this.

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Below is a list of professional development books for English teachers that have been recommended by teachers for teachers. I personally have Penny Kittle and Nancie Atwell’s books on my bookshelf and hope to purchase Kelly Gallagher’s books in the future. Click on the image or the title to find out more about these books.

Professional Development Books for English Teachers

180 Days by Kelly Gallagher and Penny Kittle

Workshopping the Canon by Mary E. Styslinger

A Novel Approach by Kate Roberts

Reading Reconsidered by Doug Lemov, Colleen Driggs and Erica Woolway

Passionate Readers by Pernille Ripp

Teaching Adolescent Writers by Kelly Gallagher

Beyond Literary Analysis by Allison Marchetti and Rebekah O’Dell

Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller

The Writing Revolution by Judith C. Hochman

No More Fake Reading by Berit Gordon

In the Middle by Nancie Atwell

Readicide by Kelly Gallagher

Book Love by Penny Kittle

Write Like this: Teaching Real-world Writing Through Modeling & Mentor Texts by Kelly Gallagher

Write Beside Them by Penny Kittle

I hope you found something that will work in your own journey in this list of professional development books for English teachers. Remember that as teachers, we play a crucial role in encouraging a love of reading, a love of writing, and a love of learning in our students. We need to ensure that we’re always learning ourselves and modelling that behaviour.

If you have more professional development books for English teachers you’d like to recommend, or any professional development books in general, connect with me on social media (@2peasandadog).