For over six years, I’ve had the privilege of hosting the Easy EdTech Podcast. Along the way, I’ve interviewed dozens of educators, leaders, and thought partners in the education space. Many of them have also authored books that offer strategies for classroom teaching, instructional leadership, and lots of topics related to education technology. So if you’re looking for education books for professional development, the resources from my podcast guests are a perfect place to start!
To make it easier to explore these resources, I’ve gathered all of the education books featured by my podcast guests into one place. This curated collection includes over 100 titles from educators around the world. You’ll find books on technology integration, equity, leadership, literacy, creativity, and more.
There are lots of great reasons to add professional development books to your reading list. Are you preparing for a new school year or building your leadership toolkit? This list is here to support you every step of the way.
You can explore the full collection of education books on my Amazon storefront. The storefront is an affiliate link, which helps keep the costs of running the podcast (editing, hosting, distributing, etc.) way more manageable.
If you see a book you like but want to hear a bit from the author first, you can check out the episode of the Easy EdTech Podcast where they were featured. How do you find their episode? Visit ClassTechTips.com and search for a guest’s name using the search bar. Then, you’ll find their podcast episode and a summary of the conversation.
8 Ways to Use Education Books for Professional Development
There’s no one right way to use education books for professional development. You might read a book on your own, explore one with a team, or use it as the foundation for a professional learning session. In the list below, I’ve included a handful of ways educators can use professional development books throughout the school year. Whether you’re diving into a brand-new topic or revisiting a familiar one with fresh eyes, there is plenty to chose from!
Reading on Your Own
Sometimes, the best way to dive into a new idea is to read at your own pace. A professional development book can sit on your desk or live in your backpack, ready for whenever you have a few quiet minutes. Solo reading lets you highlight takeaways, revisit sections, and reflect on how the ideas connect to your work.
Note: Many books have study guides, including the new version of my book EdTech Essentials – download the study guide (for free) on this page.
Reading with a Group
Book clubs are a popular option for a reason. Reading with colleagues gives you a chance to discuss new ideas and hear different perspectives. Whether it’s with a grade-level team or a professional learning group, shared reading can lead to rich conversations and new ways to collaborate.
I’ve shared book club strategies in the past, but you might already have a group you’re a part of or a group you want to form if you find the “perfect” book on a topic you’re already discussing as a group.
Use this link to check out 100+ books for educators >>
Revisiting a Topic You Haven’t Looked at Recently
Professional development books are great for circling back to topics you may have explored years ago. Revisiting a theme like differentiation, classroom management, or project-based learning might give you a fresh take or new strategies you hadn’t considered before.
Are coaching another educator? You might consider reading a book on your own or with your mentee. It’s a great chance to jump into a “new for them” topic that you are revisiting.
Learning Something New
Some books are packed with brand-new frameworks or innovative approaches. You might pick up a title that introduces a concept you’ve never heard of before. Or you could choose a book that dives into a part of the education world you don’t usually explore. One of the things I love about book lists is that you might find something you would have never searched for otherwise. I find that when I listen to a new podcast episode, and there is a compelling guest, I like to check out a new book they mentioned in their interview.
Staying Up to Date with New Strategies
The education landscape is always evolving. Books written by current educators or researchers often include the latest thinking around pedagogy, policy, or technology integration. A new title might introduce an idea you can use right away or spark inspiration for your next unit plan.
Although listening to a podcast interview might give you plenty of ideas to run with, you can do a deep dive into new strategies by exploring a book that the author has written. I started compiling this list of 100+ books by authors I interviewed on the podcast several years ago. So you may want to scroll through all the way to the start so you don’t miss anything.
Exploring New Frameworks
Some books introduce a specific framework or methodology. Others have a clear connection to a concept like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) or a new model for tech integration. Reading through an author’s explanation and examples can help you understand how to apply that framework in your classroom or school.
Hearing New Voices in the Education Space
Books give you a chance to hear from educators with different backgrounds and experiences. You might connect with a classroom teacher in another part of the world. Or you might learn from a school leader working in a different context.
Many authors of educational books have a social media presence, too. This way, you can follow along with their work even after you finish reading. Some have newsletters or other ways to stay connected throughout the school year.
Gifting a Book to a Colleague
Books make great gifts for fellow educators. If a title made an impact on your professional development, pass it along to someone who might benefit from it, too. Whether it’s a lightly used copy or a brand new book, you can keep the learning going and show appreciation to a colleague at the same time.
Recent Education Books Featured on the Easy EdTech Podcast
The authors featured in this Amazon collection have all joined me on the Easy EdTech Podcast. Some are fellow ASCD authors and many I’ve met in person at events and conferences. Others I’ve only had the chance to connect with virtually. On each podcast episode page, I’ve included links to their books, websites, and social media profiles so you can learn more about their work.
If you’re looking for a sneak peek at what a book has to offer, these podcast conversations are a great place to start. They give you an overview of the book’s message and often include tips you can use right away.
What’s New with AI, AR/VR, the Metaverse with Rachelle Dene Poth – Easy EdTech Podcast 309
In this episode, I welcome back Rachelle Dene Poth. She is a fellow ISTE author, teacher, and consultant, and shares the latest advancements in AI, AR/VR, and the Metaverse in education. You’ll also hear tips from her new book, What the Tech? It’s about ways to use this technology to create immersive and impactful student learning experiences. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and learn how to leverage EdTech in your classroom.
Listen to the episode with Rachelle here >>
Favorite Google Tools and Tips for Educators with Dr. Desiree Alexander – Easy EdTech Podcast 313
In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Desiree Alexander. She is an award-winning educator, speaker, and author. Dr. Alexander chats about her favorite Google tools and how educators can effectively integrate them into their routines. You’ll also hear us discuss newer AI tools like NotebookLM and Gemini and alternatives to the discontinued Google Jamboard. If you want to learn practical ways to leverage Google’s suite of tools and kEasy EdTech Podcast up with the latest EdTech trends, this episode has you covered!
Listen to the episode with Desiree here >>
Civic Education Beyond the Textbook with Shawn McCusker – Easy EdTech Podcast 311
In this episode, I chat with Shawn McCusker, co-author of Becoming Active Citizens. We talk about how teachers can move beyond the textbook and make civic education truly resonate with today’s students. You’ll also hear some valuable tips and resources for educators to help students become active participants in their communities, plus the role of technology in this evolving landscape. If you’re passionate about empowering the next generation of engaged citizens, this episode is a must-listen!
Listen to the episode with Shawn here >>
Reading Education Books for Professional Development
Professional development books can spark big changes or small shifts in your teaching practice. I hope you enjoy this Amazon collection I’ve pulled together featuring authors who I’ve interviewed on the Easy EdTech Podcast. With over 100 titles to choose from, you’re sure to find a few that match your goals and interests this school year.
Looking to add another title to your list? My book EdTech Essentials: 12 Strategies for Every Classroom in the Age of AI (2nd Edition) is another option for your professional learning. You can find all of my books and quick reference guides in this collection, ready for your bookshelf or e-reader.
And, of course, don’t forget to subscribe to the Easy EdTech Podcast, it’s totally free! Use the links below to find it on your favorite podcast platform:
