Five Minds for the Future by Howard Gardner Harvard Business School Press, 2006 Ways of thinking that you and your students need to develop to handle what lies ahead.

Horace’s Compromise by Ted Sizer Houghton Mifflin, 1984 Horace’s School by Ted Sizer
Houghton Mifflin, 1992 A realistic inside look at the American public high school experience from both teacher and student points of view. The first book explicates the problem, the second offers solutions. Both are generously peppered with essential insights.

The New Science of Teaching and Learning by Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa Teachers College Press, 2010
Teaching is a science as well as an art. Inform your teaching with what neuroscientists know about the brain and its workings.

Understanding by Design by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe Merrill Education/ASCD College Textbooks, 2005
A guide to thoughtful course planning aimed at inculcating lifelong student retention of crucial concepts.

The Measure of Our Success by Marian Wright Edelman Harper Paperbacks, 1993
A short and moving guide to instilling compassion and discernment in young people.

Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance by Atul Gawande Metropolitan Books, 2007
An inspiring account for doctors about how and why to keep improving. Perfectly relevant for teachers.

The Courage to Teach, 10th edition by Parker Palmer Jossey-Bass, 2007
Why do we go into this difficult, poorly compensated, privacy-destroying profession? For teachers–particularly those facing burnout–this book is a reminder of their love of subject and students. For novice teachers, it’s a guide to the challenging, emotional journey ahead.

First Days of School: How to Be An Effective Teacher, 4th edition by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong Harry K. Wong Publications, 2009
Good ideas for the crucial early class sessions and im- portant procedures to establish from the start.

In the Middle: New Understandings About Writing, Reading, and Learning, 2nd edition by Nancie Atwell Boynton/Cook, 1998
A great nuts-and-bolts resource for pursuing reading and writing workshops, writing conferences, and student publishing, all ideas that could be meaningfully implemented with a wide range of students, disciplines, and levels.

How To Talk So Kids Can Learn by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish Harper Paperbacks, 1999
Matches a philosophy of respect for young people with practical skills for fostering empathetic communication that teaches students responsibility, self-control, and decision-making. Along with How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, a useful handbook for parents as well.

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, 2nd edition by Roger Fisher, William L. Ury, and Bruce Patton Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1992
The key to all good negotiation, according to Fisher, Ury, and Patton, is maintaining or improving the relationship between the parties. While not specifically for educators, all teachers open to student input, willing to work with parents, and serious about their own professional welfare will benefit from the ability to interact on this basis.