In our commitment to fostering excellence in teaching and learning, we have curated a selection of professional development resources that empower educators to create vibrant, literacy-rich environments for young learners. These resources are integral to our teacher development trainings, laying a strong foundation for instructional growth and meaningful student engagement. From the joyful, playful approach to literacy in The Power of Joyful Reading by Eric Litwin to the collaborative coaching model in The Coaching Partnership by Rosemarye T. Taylor and Carol Chanter, each resource is designed to refine teaching practices and drive positive, systemic change. Additionally, The Ultimate Read-Aloud Resource by Lester Laminack provides actionable strategies for making read-alouds purposeful and interactive, while Literacy Walks by Nancy Akhavan supports school-wide, collaborative improvement in literacy instruction. Together, these resources equip educators with practical tools and innovative strategies, paving the way for sustainable growth in classrooms across all grade levels.

1. The Power of Joyful Reading: Help Your Young Readers Soar to Success by Eric Litwin is an inspiring guide that emphasizes the role of joy and engagement in developing strong reading skills among young learners. Litwin, known for his creative and interactive storytelling style, offers teachers and parents practical strategies to make reading a positive, engaging experience for children.

The book provides a wealth of activities, techniques, and insights on how to create a literacy-rich environment where young readers can thrive. By focusing on playfulness, music, movement, and storytelling, Litwin encourages an approach that not only teaches essential literacy skills but also instills a lifelong love of reading. The Power of Joyful Reading is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to support young readers in a way that combines learning with the joy and excitement that fuels lasting success in literacy.

2. The Coaching Partnership: Collaboration for Systemic Change by Rosemarye T. Taylor and Carol Chanter is a resource that focuses on the power of coaching partnerships in driving systemic change within educational settings. This book provides a comprehensive framework for building collaborative coaching relationships that support meaningful transformation in teaching practices, school culture, and student outcomes.

Taylor and Chanter outline strategies for establishing effective coaching partnerships, emphasizing the importance of trust, mutual respect, and open communication. The authors guide educators through goal-setting, problem-solving, and reflection processes that empower teachers and leaders to address challenges and implement best practices consistently. With practical tools, case studies, and examples, The Coaching Partnership is an invaluable resource for instructional coaches, administrators, and school leaders who aim to create lasting, positive change across their schools and districts.

3. The Ultimate Read-Aloud Resource: Making Every Moment Intentional and Instructional With Best Friend Books by Lester Laminack is a valuable resource for educators aiming to maximize the effectiveness of their read-aloud sessions. This book emphasizes intentional planning and instructional strategies to engage students actively in reading, focusing on using “Best Friend Books”—carefully selected texts that resonate with students and encourage connection and critical thinking.

Laminack’s approach guides teachers through planning read-alouds that do more than simply share a story; they serve as rich instructional moments that support comprehension, vocabulary, and discussion skills. With sample lessons, prompts, and questions tailored to each reading, this book is adaptable across various elementary grade levels, making it suitable for teachers from PreK through the upper elementary years. It’s an excellent tool for fostering a love of reading while building foundational literacy skills in an engaging, thought-provoking way.

4. Literacy Walks: A Collaborative Process to Transform Teaching and Learning Across the School Year by Nancy Akhavan is a resource that guides educators in implementing structured, school-wide literacy observations and reflections. The book emphasizes a collaborative approach, where educators work together to conduct "literacy walks" in classrooms, observing literacy instruction and student engagement firsthand. This process is designed to promote continuous improvement in teaching practices by encouraging reflective discussions, setting actionable goals, and sharing best practices.

Akhavan provides practical tools, such as observation templates and discussion prompts, that help educators identify areas of strength and areas for growth in literacy instruction. It’s structured to provide a roadmap across the school year, allowing for consistent tracking of progress and alignment of literacy goals. Ideal for administrators, literacy coaches, and teachers, Literacy Walks fosters a supportive environment for enhancing literacy teaching and learning collaboratively across all grades.

5. Powerful Partnerships: A Teacher's Guide to Engaging Families for Student Success by Karen L. Mapp, Ilene Carver, and Jessica Lander is an essential guide for educators looking to strengthen family engagement and build meaningful, collaborative relationships that support student achievement. This book provides practical strategies for fostering effective partnerships between teachers and families, emphasizing the positive impact of family involvement on student learning and well-being.

With a focus on creating welcoming and inclusive school communities, Powerful Partnerships offers actionable insights, communication techniques, and real-life examples that help educators connect with families from diverse backgrounds. The authors outline clear steps for setting goals, developing mutual trust, and engaging families as active participants in their children’s educational journey. Ideal for teachers, administrators, and school staff, this resource is invaluable for anyone aiming to create supportive, family-centered environments that empower students to succeed.

6. The "Why Not?" Challenge: Say "Yes!" to Success With Community-School Partnerships by Dr. Jacqueline L. Sanderlin is a guide that empowers educators to foster meaningful partnerships between schools and their communities. Dr. Sanderlin, an accomplished school principal and speaker, shares ten practical steps to help readers seek out, develop, and sustain powerful collaborations that benefit students. The book emphasizes a "Why Not?" attitude, encouraging schools, especially those in under-resourced areas, to explore innovative ways to support student success. By leveraging community resources, educators can create enriching opportunities that enhance learning and development.

7.  The Educator's Guide to Understanding Child Development by Dr. Linda C. Mayes is an insightful resource that equips educators with essential knowledge about child development stages and their impact on learning. This guide explores cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth from early childhood through adolescence, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding students' developmental needs.

Dr. Mayes presents research-based insights and practical strategies that allow educators to support each child’s individual strengths and challenges effectively. The book includes real-life scenarios and examples, helping teachers apply developmental principles to create supportive, responsive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Ideal for educators at all levels, this guide serves as a foundational tool for fostering healthy development and promoting success in the classroom.

8. Everyone Wins! The Evidence for Family-School Partnerships and Implications for Practice by Karen Mapp, Anne Henderson, Stephany Cuevas, Martha Franco, and Suzanna Ewert is a comprehensive resource that emphasizes the vital role of strong family-school partnerships in promoting student success. This guide compiles research-based evidence demonstrating how active collaboration between families and schools positively affects academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and student well-being.

Designed for educators and school leaders, the book provides actionable strategies to foster these partnerships, highlighting the importance of trust, effective communication, and culturally responsive practices. It also includes practical examples of successful partnership models and adaptable strategies for diverse educational settings. Everyone Wins! is an invaluable resource for building inclusive, supportive school communities that empower both students and families.