Posts tagged Philosophy of Education

What is in your professional library? I have two book shelves in my office.  One holds children’s books and one holds professional literature.  I looked up the other day and thought, “I need to re-read some of those books. They have a lot of good stuff inside.”  Todd Whitaker’s books are very helpful, Seth Godin, Robert Marzano, Mike Schmoker, Barry Lane, and others are there staring me in the face each day - offering me reference if needed to overcome an obstacle or to find a solution.

What is in your professional library? If you are a teacher, your library should include information that heightens your craft.  If you are a principal, your library must include books about teaching craft, communication, educational philosophy, and even marketing.  I find that my library is beginning to extend beyond the book shelves in my office and in my home. I find that my library includes EBooks on my Nook, links I receive from my Professional Learning Network (PLN) from Twitter, and blogs I find on Tumblr.  I have written before about the fact that sometimes I love to read a book on my Nook and other times I love to hold a book in my hand, and when finished - hand it off to someone else.

My professional library contains mostly books that I have read, but I admit there are a few whose bindings haven’t been creased.  The books have changed as well. I used to find it necessary (in my mind) to leave the book in pristine condition after reading it. Not any more. Now I write in it, I stick Post-it Notes inside, and I dog-ear the heck out of the book. Because I figure, if I need to find the value-gained again, it’s at my finger tips. I also figure that someone who wants to borrow the book will just have to cope.

I remember when I taught fifth grade that I entered the profession with a philosophy.  Five years later, it had changed, and when I left the profession, it had changed again.  I find the same thing happening in my role as a principal. I find that through experiences and time, my philosphy grows and evolves.  I also find that I gain insight from others that share their world in books from my professional library.

As professionals, educators must constantly evolve and grow. This requires a non-stagnant approach: One that includes many perspectives and much time in thoughtful insight.  Whether you are reading an EBook, holding a paperback, reading a blog, or following a link from a Twitter Feed, your professional library is important and helps define not only yourself as a professional, but the course you set for children.  What is in your professional library?