Online Book Studies for 2022-23
This is our fifth year of hosting book studies on TeachIllinois, and we are able to offer them 100% free thanks to generous support from the Area 5 SEL Hub Grant, courtesy of the Illinois State Board of Education (that's why they're all SEL-related, in case you wondered/noticed!).
You do need to find your own copy of the book. It can be borrowed or bought. It can be an e-book, an audio book, or a traditional print book. You will have to cite textual evidence, so make sure you understand how to bookmark the format you choose!
The format will be week-long chats about a given section of the book. For example, week one of the Book Study will be when people post their own takeaways and respond to other readers' posts for the first quarter of the text. Week 2 will be for the second quarter of the book, etc. Matt Weld will moderate each title, and we are in talks with some of the authors to have them join in for a final 'meet the author' session. Those will be virtual and optional.
You do need to find your own copy of the book. It can be borrowed or bought. It can be an e-book, an audio book, or a traditional print book. You will have to cite textual evidence, so make sure you understand how to bookmark the format you choose!
The format will be week-long chats about a given section of the book. For example, week one of the Book Study will be when people post their own takeaways and respond to other readers' posts for the first quarter of the text. Week 2 will be for the second quarter of the book, etc. Matt Weld will moderate each title, and we are in talks with some of the authors to have them join in for a final 'meet the author' session. Those will be virtual and optional.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS and SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHICS / FLYER at the bottom of this page.
TO REGISTER:
- Log In (or create a new account - it's free to join) at TeachIllinois.org
- Find the e-course that matches the book study you'd like to join.
- Register
- Start Reading and join the conversation on the start date!
September - Significant 72: Unleashing the Power of Relationships in Today's Schools by Greg Wolcott (8 PD Hours)
Significant 72: Unleashing the Power of Relationships brings John Hattie’s research to life in every school and every classroom. Greg Wolcott is masterful in his ability to help educators not only understand the importance of relationships within learning, but also provide practical tools to ensure it happens.
- As a result of reading this book, educators will:
- 1. discover how having a deep understanding of each child’s background enhances engagement and provides a launch pad for developing autonomous learners
- 2. realize the critical role the teacher-student relationship plays in being able to challenge students to move outside their individual comfort zones and achieve at high levels.
- 3. gain a framework for developing connections with and between students that fosters an environment of trust and acceptance.
5. understand how creating a relationship mindset in the classroom not only enhances students outcomes but greatly enhances personal well being at the same time.
STARTS 9/4/22
October - The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk (9.0 PD Hours)
Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust.
He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives.
STARTS 10/3/22
November - Educating Mindfully: Stories of School Transformation Through Mindfulness by Tracy Heilers et. al. (9.0 PD Hours)
Partnering with over twenty mindfulness resource organizations and written by over three dozen passionate school educators, this collaborative book utilizes inspiring storytelling to give a multi-perspective exploration of the emergence of mindfulness in US education. Together they make the case for mindfulness in schools and show us firsthand how establishing a foundation of mindfulness prioritizes well-being and supercharges all learning.
Endorsement:
"If you want to know what's actually happening with mindfulness in schools, this is the perfect collection for educators. A superb compilation of relevant, robust, and real-life examples to build understanding and capacity. As a school superintendent, this will be an invaluable resource for our teams."
--Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D, Superintendent, Mt. Lebanon School District, PA
STARTS 11/7/22
January - Everyday SEL in Elementary/Middle/High School: Integrating SEL & Mindfulness Into Your Classroom by Carla T. Philibert (5.0 PD Hours)
NOTE: THERE ARE THREE EDITIONS, depending on what you teach. Make sure you get the right book, even though we are all together for the book study!
With this bestselling book from educational consultant Carla Tantillo Philibert, you’ll gain practical strategies for teaching Social Emotional Learning (SEL), mindfulness, and well-being to help improve the human connection between you and your students. You’ll find out how to lead students through mindfulness activities, simple yoga poses, and breath-work techniques. Topics include mindful practices, well-being strategies to combat stress and anxiety, giving your students the space to understand their emotions and strengthen peer-to-peer communication, developing the foremost and essential SEL competencies, and engaging in experiential activities to strengthen SEL skills. The new edition reflects the latest CASEL guidelines and includes updated activities, as well as a brand-new directory of terms, and an intentional focus on educators’ and students’ socio-emotional well-being.
STARTS 1/9/2023
February - Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of the Human Experience, by Brene Brown (8.0 PD Hours)
In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes us on a journey through eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and an actionable framework for meaningful connection, she gives us the language and tools to access a universe of new choices and second chances—a universe where we can share and steward the stories of our bravest and most heartbreaking moments with one another in a way that builds connection.
Over the past two decades, Brown’s extensive research into the experiences that make us who we are has shaped the cultural conversation and helped define what it means to be courageous with our lives. Atlas of the Heart draws on this research, as well as on Brown’s singular skills as a storyteller, to show us how accurately naming an experience doesn’t give the experience more power—it gives us the power of understanding, meaning, and choice.
Brown shares, “I want this book to be an atlas for all of us, because I believe that, with an adventurous heart and the right maps, we can travel anywhere and never fear losing ourselves.”
STARTS 2/6/2023
Over the past two decades, Brown’s extensive research into the experiences that make us who we are has shaped the cultural conversation and helped define what it means to be courageous with our lives. Atlas of the Heart draws on this research, as well as on Brown’s singular skills as a storyteller, to show us how accurately naming an experience doesn’t give the experience more power—it gives us the power of understanding, meaning, and choice.
Brown shares, “I want this book to be an atlas for all of us, because I believe that, with an adventurous heart and the right maps, we can travel anywhere and never fear losing ourselves.”
STARTS 2/6/2023
March - Emotional Poverty in All Demographics: How to Reduce Anger, Anxiety, and Violence in the Classroom, by Ruby Payne (6 PD Hours)
Dr. Ruby Payne shares in this book:
• Provides understandings of origins of anger, anxiety, and avoidance
• Gives a language to talk about brain regulation, integration, and emotional competence
• Provides tools for educators to address and reduce anger, anxiety, and avoidance
• Helps educators manage the "classroom dance" that occurs between the educator and the students
• Provides the tools to motivate good behavior
• Identifies the differences in male and female emotional processing
"It was one of the most riveting speeches I have ever heard you give, and it gave us a sense of reassurance we all desperately needed. People cannot wait to get your book on emotional poverty. The information you provide can and will save the lives of so many children."
—Jimmy C. Stokes, Ed.D. , Georgia Association of Educational Leaders, Athens, Georgia
STARTS 3/6/2023
April - Look Beyond the Clouds: Transform Your Daily Habits to Overcome Teacher Burnout, by Michelle Gano (6.0 PD Hours)
While reading this book, you will discover:
Follow the advice in this book and you will see positive results immediately!
What's stopping you from waking up feeling excited to go to work each day?
STARTS 4/4/2022
While reading this book, you will discover:
- How to look beyond the clouds that hinder your happiness
- The importance of adjusting your mindset to think and speak more positively (that energy will inspire others to do the same!)
- The power of gratitude for each experience and learn how to view them as opportunities for growth
- The upward climb that is required to face your challenges head-on and overcome them to reach your breathtaking view
- The concept of self-love by engaging in self-care practices so you can be the very best version of yourself
Follow the advice in this book and you will see positive results immediately!
What's stopping you from waking up feeling excited to go to work each day?
STARTS 4/4/2022
Book Study FAQs
How much does a book study cost?
Each book study is $Free for the 22-23 school year and that does NOT include the book.
Is the book itself included in the price?
No, each person is responsible for finding their own text. It can be purchase or borrowed. It can be electronic, audio, or print. Basically, it doesn't matter how you get it.
How much time does it take? What do I have to do?
Not counting the actual reading which varies widely by individual, each person has to post their own takeaway and respond to at least two other people's posts in the Forum section. At the end, there will be a 250+ word reflection on how you will apply this to your professional responsibilities.
How many PD Hours is it worth?
Each book's PD value will be determined based on its length. You can find those values in each course's title and description within TeachIllinois.
How am I graded?
The moderator will keep track of your participation in the forum, and will assess your final reflection based on the rubric outlined within each course. At the end, you will receive feedback on your work and a pass/fail grade (80% or above). No partial credit (PD hours) are awarded.
I'd like for my staff to be involved. Is there a group rate?
Most likely! Email Matt using the Contact Form to work this out (See the little orange 'Contact Us' tab in the lower right of your screen? That's the ticket.) .
I've been wanting to put my school's/district's book studies online. Can we do that on TeachIllinois?
Yes! There are different levels, based on several factors such as whether or not you moderate, whether it's private for your school/district, etc. Contact Matt for information.
This is a great resource! How can I share?
Fantastic! The more the merrier (and the better the conversation). You can use the following resource: FLYER (PDF)
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