these 6 things

These 6 Things by Dave Stuart Jr. is a book for every teacher.  Though geared to educators in grades 6-12, any teacher who wants to get better at the art of education will learn something by reading this book.  Chapter 2 about Cultivating Key Beliefs is something that would be the place to start.  I had heard Stuart speak before and this gives some concrete ways to build credibility, belonging, effort, efficacy and value in your classroom.  It gives strong reasons to teach knowledge along with ways to increase the amount of reading, writing, listening and speaking in your class, no matter what content area you teach.    

I Must Betray You

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys is a book that is worth reading.  Set in communist Romania in 1989, Cristian learns the harsh reality of living there.  He is blackmailed by the secret police because he wants to help his grandfather.  Sepetys does an excellent job with creating realistic characters and setting the scene so you can get the view of what life is like under communist control.  It made me grateful that I do not live in such a place.  It is cataloged as a book for young adults at my library, but good for all adults.