For educators, summer break is a time to reset and relax from the previous school year and eventually prepare for the year ahead. Many teachers and school staff will take time for vacations, family, and rest; others will take time for professional development or growth opportunities in their field. Whatever summer plans manifest, educators alike can agree that renewing their love for the field of education over the summer can be essential. Here are five education-based memoirs that educators will find inspiring and insightful for summer reading:
Educated by Tara Westover
Summary: This memoir tells the story of Tara Westover, who grew up in a strict and isolated household in rural Idaho. Despite not setting foot in a classroom until the age of 17, she pursued an education that eventually led her to earn a PhD from Cambridge University. This book explores themes of family, education, and the transformative power of learning.
Why Educators Should Read It: It offers a unique perspective on the barriers to education and the profound impact that access to learning can have on an individual’s life.
The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers
Summary: This collection of diary entries written by 150 high school students from Long Beach, California, details their experiences in a racially divided and economically disadvantaged community. Guided by their teacher, Erin Gruwell, these students use writing to express their struggles and triumphs.
Why Educators Should Read It: It demonstrates the power of writing as a tool for self-expression and transformation, and how dedicated teaching can make a significant impact on students’ lives.
Educating Esmé: Diary of a Teacher’s First Year by Esmé Raji Codell
Summary: Esmé Raji Codell’s memoir is based on her first year teaching in a Chicago public school. It captures her challenges, innovative teaching methods, and the emotional roller coaster of her initial year in the classroom.
Why Educators Should Read It: It offers a realistic and often humorous look at the experience being a first-year teacher, providing both inspiration and practical insights.
Teacher Man by Frank McCourt
Summary: Frank McCourt, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Angela’s Ashes, shares his experiences teaching in New York City high schools for over 30 years. The memoir is filled with anecdotes, reflections on his teaching style, and the challenges he faced in the classroom.
Why Educators Should Read It: McCourt’s narrative underscores the profound impact teachers can have on their students and the importance of creativity and passion in teaching.
Up the Down Staircase by Bel Kaufman
Summary: This classic novel, written in an epistolary format, presents the experiences of Sylvia Barrett, a new teacher in an inner-city high school. Through letters, memos, and students’ notes, Kaufman captures the humorous and poignant challenges of the teaching profession.
Why Educators Should Read It: Although fictional, this book provides a realistic portrayal of the trials and triumphs of teaching, highlighting the perseverance and dedication required to make a difference in students’ lives.
These memoirs offer a blend of personal narratives, educational insights, and reflections on the impact of teaching and learning, making them valuable reads for educators looking to be inspired and motivated.
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This listicle was written as a collaborative effort by the team at Social Studies School Service. It has been edited for clarity and length.