10 Education Books to Read This Summer (And What They Actually Teach Us)
- Eduettu
- Aug 12
- 4 min read
For educators, summer is more than a break — it's a strategic pause. A time to reflect on the past year, deepen professional knowledge, and prepare for what’s ahead.
At Eduettu, we believe professional reading should be both evidence-based and transformative. That’s why we’ve curated ten of the most impactful titles featured in our Resources. These aren’t just popular bestsellers — they’re books that challenge, clarify, and offer actionable strategies.
Here are our choices for 10 Education Books to Read This Summer — and what they teach us.
What It Teaches Us: Grounded in rigorous research, this book helps educators make sense of what really works in the classroom — and why. It demystifies key teaching strategies and breaks down common myths using the latest evidence from education science. You’ll gain clarity on what interventions actually improve learning outcomes and how to apply them in your own setting, whether you're a teacher, policymaker, or school leader.
What It Teaches Us: This practical guide translates brain science into highly usable classroom strategies. Oakley and her team explain how learning works — from working memory to long-term retention — and how to design instruction that reaches all learners, including those with learning differences. It’s especially powerful for teachers seeking to improve attention, motivation, and mastery in mixed-ability classrooms.
What It Teaches Us: Although aimed at parents, this beautifully written book is an excellent resource for early years educators. Davies brings the Montessori method into everyday routines, offering guidance on fostering independence, responsibility, and curiosity in young children. It’s also filled with practical ideas for creating calm, choice-rich learning environments — essential for anyone working in preschool or early childhood education.
What It Teaches Us: This seminal text explores the neurological and emotional impacts of poverty on children — and what educators can do to address them. Jensen presents concrete strategies for building relationships, promoting academic success, and creating supportive classroom cultures for students facing adversity. It’s a vital read for anyone committed to equity and trauma-informed teaching practices.
What It Teaches Us: Combining the latest insights from neuroscience with parenting psychology, Dr. Amen presents a comprehensive guide to building resilience, confidence, and emotional intelligence in children and teens. Teachers will benefit from his discussion on brain health, mindset, and behavior regulation — particularly when working with students struggling to cope with stress or change.
What It Teaches Us: A cornerstone text for many education programs, Ormrod’s work goes beyond theory. It connects educational psychology to real-world classrooms, explaining topics such as motivation, cognitive development, assessment, and differentiated instruction. This book is ideal for educators who want to move from intuition to intentional practice, backed by decades of cognitive research.
What It Teaches Us: Martin argues that education must evolve to meet the needs of today’s learners — and that begins by rethinking traditional structures. She offers a framework for designing learning experiences that empower students to lead with curiosity, creativity, and purpose. This is an inspiring read for teachers and school leaders ready to disrupt outdated models and reimagine what schools can be.
What It Teaches Us: Leadership isn’t reactive — it’s intentional. This book presents a toolkit of habits and mindsets that help school leaders foster collaboration, align vision, and stay focused in a fast-changing landscape. Ideal for assistant principals, instructional coaches, and headteachers, it emphasizes purposeful routines that lead to sustainable change and staff empowerment.
What It Teaches Us: Whitaker offers a seasoned perspective on what it truly takes to drive school improvement. He highlights the importance of culture, communication, and clarity in leading successful change initiatives. Readers will learn how to identify resistance, build momentum, and support teachers without overwhelming them — a vital skill in today’s overstretched school systems.
What It Teaches Us: Creativity is not a side activity — it’s essential to cognitive and emotional development. This visually rich book explores how educators can use materials, environments, and open-ended questions to promote divergent thinking and joyful learning. Perfect for early years and primary educators looking to bring wonder and agency back into the classroom.
Summer offers the gift of time — and with it, the chance to read with purpose. Each of these books brings something vital to the table: insight, clarity, and vision for a more effective and equitable education system.
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or parent-educator, these titles provide tools to navigate the complexities of modern education with knowledge and heart.
Which of these books challenges your current beliefs about teaching the most — and how might applying its insights transform your classroom or leadership practice this year? Let us know in the comments below.
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