The final bell has rung, the papers are graded, and the classroom is (mostly) quiet. You’ve survived the emails, the staff meetings, the copier jams—and the students. Summer is here, and now it’s your turn. But forget just taking a break—this summer, let’s talk about teacher wellness, quick reads, and genuine renewal.
We’ve curated a reading list filled with books designed to spark growth, invite deep reflection, and leave you feeling truly refreshed for the next amazing “season” of your professional life.
Breathe deep, grab a lemonade, and let the professional soul-refresh begin.
Take a look at these amazing resources:
JOY!
Growing Strong Throughout Your Seasons of Life as a Teacher and Leader
“Every educator should have a copy of Timothy Kanold’s JOY! within reach as they navigate the complex, nuanced, and sometimes overwhelming seasons of their work. This inspiring book is filled with poignant storytelling, thoughtful reflection, and practical strategies that are all masterfully woven together to create an interactive guide that challenges and inspires educators to embrace the continuous journey of choosing a life filled with enduring purpose and, most importantly, JOY!”
— Paula Maeker / Author and educational presenter
Find your professional joy
Download free resources
180 Days
of Physical Wellness for Busy Educators
“If we’ve learned anything since 2019, it’s that educator wellness is directly linked to teacher retention, teacher effectiveness, and student learning. Tina H. Boogren lays out a logical, research-affirmed, and practical set of strategies that will help us support the teachers of tomorrow and create the kind of schools where everyone thrives!”
— Anthony Muhammad / Author and education expert
Start your self-care journey
Download free resources
Seasons of Literacy
A Monthly Guide to Growing Lifelong Readers and Writers
By JoEllen McCarthy and Julia E. Torres
“This book is not just a planner—it’s a calling. With space to dream, reflect, and rise, Seasons of Literacy provides what you need to lead students on a journey through a literacy-rich year with heart, joy, and purpose. It’s celebration and strategy, inspiration and instruction, bound in one beautiful, accessible planner. Whether you’re new to the classroom or a veteran word warrior, JoEllen and Julia remind us that creating a classroom community of young readers isn’t just necessary—it’s revolutionary.”
— Kwame Alexander / Emmy® Award-winning producer, best-selling author, speaker, and educator
Grow readers all year
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The 15-Day Challenge
Simplify and Energize Your PLC at Work® Process
“Maria Nielsen has created a practical and comprehensive road map for any school that wants to move from rhetoric to action. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in truly enhancing their impact on student learning.”
— Anthony Muhammad / Author and education expert
Energize your PLC today
Download free resources
Finding Your Balance
Personal and Professional Wellness Strategies for Effective Educational Leadership
By Joshua Ray
“This book is a powerful exploration of the often lonely and demanding journey of leadership, marked by insecurity, overcompensation, and sacrifice. Through compelling personal stories, field studies, and leadership research, Ray provides a path to becoming an intentional, impactful leader.”
— Scott Harrison / Superintendent, White River School District, Washington
Reclaim work-life balance
Download free resources
The Reignited Educator
Rediscovering Emotional Engagement and Purpose in Your Profession
“Froehlich eloquently outlines reasons teachers become disengaged and explores ways they can recover and reengage. This book is a tremendous resource for teachers who may be questioning their purpose and are looking for ways to recenter themselves in the job they love so much.”
— Ben Juzwik / ELA teacher, Webster Middle School, Wisconsin
Rekindle your teaching purpose
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The School Leader’s Game Plan
Strategies for Maximizing Your Capacity to Tackle Daily Challenges
“With heartfelt honesty and practical strategies drawn from his own journey, Scott A. Laliberte masterfully bridges the worlds of athletics and leadership, presenting a framework for sustained well-being and peak performance.”
— Tina H. Boogren / Author and education expert
Master leadership challenges
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More resources for the summer
Looking for simple, soul-filling ideas this summer? These quick reads offer fresh takes on self-care, student support, and how to make the most of the season—for yourself and your learners.
