Looking for the best summer reading recommendations for teachers? This curated list includes five thought-provoking books that explore resilience, human connection, historical injustice, survival, emotional healing, and modern ethical dilemmas. From compelling nonfiction to unforgettable novels, these teacher-friendly summer reads offer meaningful reflection while still being highly engaging and enjoyable.

’Tis the season of giving , and what better way to spread a little joy than by surprising the social studies teacher in your life with something thoughtful and practical? Whether you’re a colleague, partner, or friend, this 2025 Gift Guide includes ideas that teachers will love—both in and out of the classroom. If you can find meaningful gifts by thrift shopping (my personal favorite), I believe that's always a great place to start, but here are some ideas. Every item featur

Teachers make so many decisions each and every day. Some say that teachers make more decisions in a day than a brain surgeon. With teachers wearing many different hats and needing to make split-second decisions, it can easily lead to decision fatigue. I can think of one year in particular--my fifth year of teaching that led to burnout. After a full day of teaching, I just wanted to come home and lie on the couch. Between being in a new school and learning the ropes of new sys

I'm excited to once again share my summer book recommendations for teachers! Since I've been sharing summer books recommendations for...

We just got home from an incredible trip to Cuidad de Mexico, which was a surprise trip for my husband's 50th birthday. My husband did...

For the past few years, I've been sharing my summer book recommendations. I've heard from so many of you that you love having a book list to refer back to while you're enjoying summer break. This summer I want to do something new! I'm hosting a book club for teachers! We'll be reading the book, I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Monica Guzman. This book is super pertinent right now! If you're a social s

This gift guide is a great place to start for meaningful gift ideas for the social studies teacher in your life.

Over the past few years, I have been making transitions to live more sustainably and include more eco-friendly choices in my daily life. While living on a teacher budget, shopping at thrift stores has always been my first go-to for clothing, classroom library books, and some art supplies. But I've made other small changes that are not only better for our planet but have financial benefits too. I'd love to share some of the changes in mindset that I have made, as well as some

Discover 4 often-overlooked back-to-school teacher planning tips that help educators stay organized, reduce stress, and prepare for a smoother school year.

Summer break provides a well-deserved opportunity to recharge, reflect, and broaden your horizons. Engaging in thought-provoking and inspiring books can be a great way to make the most of summer break. For the past few years, I have shared my book recommendations for summer reading. This year, the book recs I've put together cover a range of topics, from historical fiction to self-care, personal growth, and political discourse. These books will not only captivate your imagina

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “teachers do it for the outcome, not for the income.” I want to take a moment to dismantle this concept...

Do you have sticky notes covering your computer screen or all around your desk? Maybe you have a long to-do list that feels overwhelming and you aren't sure where to even begin. I've been there, and the feeling of being pulled in multiple directions while never seeming to get ahead can lead to burnout quickly. I'm glad you're reading, because this teacher productivity hack is a game-changer. The Urgent Importance Quadrant As teachers, we quickly find out that the work is neve

Are you a first-year teacher drowning in work, feeling like you are being pulled in multiple directions, and struggling to find that...

As we start a new year, this is a great time to consider goal setting. Even if you are reading this and it’s the middle of June, there’s...

I was recently listening to a teacher share how they ran out of sick days in October. Knowing that any future days off would mean taking...

As a teacher, we quickly realize that the work is never done. This means that we have to be intentional with our time because it's super...

When I landed my first teaching job, most of my clothing involved jeans, oversized sweatshirts, and tennis shoes that I wore around the university campus. I realized I needed to do some shopping for classroom-ready outfits, but I also had a limited budget. Whether or not your school permits jeans or teacher-tees, I've learned that teachers can build a wardrobe on a limited budget by focusing on versatile basics, secondhand shopping, and sustainable clothing choices. A capsule

Looking for meaningful summer reading recommendations for teachers? This curated book list includes historical fiction, memoirs, investigative nonfiction, and emotionally powerful novels that explore resilience, poverty, history, family, and human connection. These four books provide engaging summer reading while encouraging reflection, empathy, and deeper understanding.

How will I make it to the end of the year? This was a question I often asked myself when I felt completely overwhelmed, inadequate, and...

In the summer, I usually have more time to sit down and dive into books that have been added to my ever-growing book list. When I was...