Inspiring Summer Reads for Teachers

In the final episode of the first season, Sabrina and Jen, hosts of the popular education podcast Ed-Tabulous, discussed the misconception that summer break is solely for relaxation. While acknowledging the importance of rest, they emphasized how educators often spend their summers reflecting, planning, and seeking professional development opportunities.

Jen kicked off the episode by recommending Rigor is not a 4 Lettered Word by Barbara Blackburn, a book that challenges traditional notions of rigor in the classroom. She highlighted Blackburn's perspective that rigor isn't about making learning difficult, but rather setting high standards and expecting students to meet them. Jen argued that this approach prepares students for the real world where quality work is essential.

Sabrina, on the other hand, shared her enthusiasm for Trevor McKenzie's work on inquiry-based learning, particularly his book Inquiry Mindset: Assessment Edition. She discussed how McKenzie's ideas resonated with her own experiences of co-designing learning with students and incorporating their voices into the assessment process.

The conversation then turned to Concept-Based Inquiry in Action by Rachel French and Carla Marschall, a book that Jen credited with igniting her passion for concept-based curriculum and inquiry practices. She praised the book for its practical insights and actionable ideas for teachers looking to implement inquiry-based learning in their classrooms.

Sabrina introduced a non-education book into the mix, Nudge by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, which she found relevant to her role as an International Baccalaureate Coordinator. She explained how the concept of nudging, or creating situations where everyone is automatically included unless they opt out, can be applied to various aspects of education administration.

Finally, Jen recommended Worldwise Learning by Carla Marschall and Elizabeth Crawford, a teacher's guide focused on incorporating global issues and diverse perspectives into the curriculum. She praised the book for its practical approach and wealth of resources, including QR codes for specific lesson plans.

From challenging conventional notions of rigor to embracing inquiry-based practices and incorporating global perspectives, these books provide educators with the tools they need to create dynamic and engaging learning environments. As the summer break beckons, Sabrina and Jen hope that these insightful reads inspire teachers as they prepare to embark on a new academic year filled with opportunities for growth and transformation in the classroom.