Online Book Studies for 2025-26
This is our eighth 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. Several of this year's titles were suggestions from participants. New this year is a collection of options for September: one each in reading, writing, math, and general self-help. The remaining 6 months have one title each that are more universally applicable. There are no book studies in December or May.
You 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 in your final reflection, 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 is available for questions: mweld [at] roe3.org
You 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 in your final reflection, 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 is available for questions: mweld [at] roe3.org
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 - 7 Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-3 Reading Success, by Lindsay Kemeny (5 PDH)
In this no-nonsense guide, primary reading expert and classroom teacher Lindsay Kemeny shares seven ways K–3 teachers can modify what they are currently doing to transform their reading instruction. Each chapter focuses on a critical area of foundational reading–from the most efficient ways to teach phonemic awareness and phonics to the most effective ways to boost comprehension. Kemeny clears up confusing terms and concepts and offers up “do-tomorrow” strategies to help kids acquire reading skills efficiently and successfully transfer those skills to their reading. Readers will find the literacy routines and lessons Kemeny uses every day with her students detailed in the book, along with links to video demonstrations showing how she puts them into practice. [From Amazon]
STARTS 9/8/25
September - Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math, by Shalinee Sharma (8 PD Hours)
Bust the math myths that are holding you and your kids back and learn the importance of numeracy with this one-of-a-kind resource for parents, educators, and policymakers
Shalinee Sharma is one of the world’s top experts on math learning, but when she was in school, she sat in the back row, unsure if she could ever master the subject. Many of us buy into the idea that some people are innately good at math and others just won’t ever succeed at it—but it’s not true, and numeracy is as important as literacy when it comes to opening doors in life.
Sharma shows how complex problem solving and puzzle solving, abstract and logical thinking, developing fluency with numbers, and cultivating persistence in math are crucial skills for success that can be taught to everyone and how math, far from being a dry, dull exercise, shares common ground with art and creativity. She also debunks the myths that prevent us from learning and enjoying math, with chapters dedicated to the three roadblocks that discourage adults and kids from learning.
With instructive line drawings throughout, Sharma explains the math instinct that all humans have from birth, and better, more intuitive ways to solve math problems that are both rigorous and accessible. For anyone who has ever thought you’re “bad at math” but wants to get good—for your children and for yourself--Math Mind contains the guidance, takeaways, and specific approaches you need to learn to love numbers. [From Amazon]
STARTS 9/8/25
September - The Writing Revolution 2.0: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing In All Subjects and Grades, by Hochman & Wexler (10 PD Hours)
Building on the success of the original best-seller, this new edition of The Writing Revolution adds valuable guidance for teachers seeking a way to bring their students' writing ability up to rigorous state standards. As thousands of educators have already discovered, The Writing Revolution provides the road map they need, clearly explaining how to incorporate the Hochman Method into their instruction, no matter what subject or grade they're teaching and regardless of the ability level of their students. The new edition provides a reorganized sequence of activities and even more student-facing examples, making it easier than ever to bring the method to your classroom.
The Writing Revolution isn't a separate curriculum or program teachers need to juggle. Rather, it is a method providing strategies and activities that teachers can adapt to their preexisting curriculum and weave into their content instruction. By focusing on specific techniques that match their students' needs and providing them with targeted feedback, The Writing Revolution can turn weak writers into strong and confident communicators. In addition, the method can:
- Identify misconceptions and gaps in knowledge
- Boost reading comprehension and learning
- Improve organizational skills
- Enrich oral language
- Develop analytical abilities
STARTS 9/8/25
September - The Science of Self-Discipline: The Willpower, Mental Toughness, and Self-Control to Resist Temptation and Achieve Your Goals, by Peter Hollins (6 PD Hours)
Whatever you want in your life, self-discipline is the missing piece. Goals will remain dreams if you make the mistake of relying on motivation and your best drawn plans.
The Science of Self-Discipline is a deep look into what allows us to resist our worst impulses and simply execute, achieve, produce, and focus. Every principle is scientifically-driven and dissected to as be actionable and helpful as possible. You’ll learn how top performers consistently exercise self-discipline, as well as what drives us on an instinctual, psychological level to act.
This isn’t just a book; it’s a roadmap to the human psyche and will allow you to accomplish exactly what you set out to do, every time. When you understand what drives your cravings and the true roots of self-discipline, you’ll be able to rise above your temporary discomfort and focus on what really matters. Discover every factor that impacts self-discipline for better or worse.
Peter Hollins has studied psychology and peak human performance for over a dozen years and is a bestselling author. He has worked with dozens of individuals to unlock their potential and path towards success. His writing draws on his academic, coaching, and research experience.
• The biological basis of self-discipline - and why it’s beneficial to you.
• Discipline tactics for high performers such as Navy SEALs.
• Diagnosing what motivates you, what drains you, and what moves you emotionally.
• Engineering an environment and social circle that boosts self-discipline.
• Why choosing two marshmallows over one matters.
• Four questions for any potential lapse in willpower.
• The interplay between habits, motivation, and self-discipline.
A goal without the self-discipline necessary to enact it will remain just a dream or fantasy. Does this describe you more often than not? It doesn’t matter what you want to do - you might want to become a CEO or just clean more consistently - self-discipline is one of the most important life skills because it is the skill of doing and executing. [From Amazon]
STARTS 9/8/25
October - Relationship, Responsibility and Regulation: Trauma-Invested Practices for Fostering Resilient Learners, by Kristin Souers with Pete Hall (7 PD Hours)
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the complexity of implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) into your curriculum? Worried about the ethical implications? Or maybe you feel that your lack of tech expertise leaves you lagging in the rapidly progressing digital age of education?
You're not alone.
The exponential growth of AI has left many educators feeling tossed in the deep end, their anxieties heightened by the rapid waves of technological change. So, where do you turn when you're navigating these uncharted waters?
Right here.
This eye-opening guide, 'Simplify AI in Education', demystifies AI and offers practical solutions to implement into your teaching. It easily achieves the critical balance between technology and human touch and empowers you to deliver enriched, personalized learning experiences.
Here’s a taste of the transformative insights you’ll find inside this book:
You might be thinking, "I'm not tech-savvy; can I really master AI?" or perhaps, "Given my school's budget, can I afford to implement AI tools?" But let us reassure you... Whether you're a tech newbie or a tech enthusiast, with this guide, you can master AI. Yes, even if you've never used an AI tool before!
Our strategies are designed for all educators, regardless of your tech expertise or the budget you're working with. From cost-effective tools to budget-friendly AI tips, we've got you covered!
And as for the ethical use of AI, we tackle those concerns head-on. We deeply delve into issues such as privacy, equity, avoiding bias, and so much more. After reading this book, your ethical concerns won't just be answered; they'll be allayed. [From Amazon]
STARTS 10/6/25
You're not alone.
The exponential growth of AI has left many educators feeling tossed in the deep end, their anxieties heightened by the rapid waves of technological change. So, where do you turn when you're navigating these uncharted waters?
Right here.
This eye-opening guide, 'Simplify AI in Education', demystifies AI and offers practical solutions to implement into your teaching. It easily achieves the critical balance between technology and human touch and empowers you to deliver enriched, personalized learning experiences.
Here’s a taste of the transformative insights you’ll find inside this book:
- Demystify AI: Understand fundamental AI concepts in a language you can relate to and become the tech-savvy educator you aspire to be
- Practical AI Integration: A genuine walk-through of cost-friendly AI tools and how to implement them into your teaching, regardless of your level of tech expertise
- Effective AI Prompt Crafting: A deep dive into crafting effective AI prompts that optimize learning outcomes
- AI & Personalized Learning: Discover how AI can personalize education to meet individual student needs and boost engagement
- Overcoming Administrative Hurdles: Strategies to advocate for AI adoption to decision-makers within your school or institution
- Sustainable AI Use: Focus on foundational AI concepts that are applicable across various tools and platforms, ensuring your knowledge remains relevant
- AI in Special Education: Leverage AI tools to support students with special educational needs
- AI for Streamlined Admin Tasks: Learn how AI can help reduce time spent on administrative tasks, freeing you up to focus on what truly matters – your students
- Community Building: Your exclusive invitation to a community platform where you can connect with other educators to share experiences and insights
- Success Stories & Case Studies: Be inspired by real-world examples and success stories of AI being effectively implemented in various educational settings
- Overcome AI Anxiety: Solutions to help you conquer your fear of technology and reclaim your confidence
- Ethical AI for Equal Access: Tips on ensuring all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, benefit from AI in education ...and so much more!
You might be thinking, "I'm not tech-savvy; can I really master AI?" or perhaps, "Given my school's budget, can I afford to implement AI tools?" But let us reassure you... Whether you're a tech newbie or a tech enthusiast, with this guide, you can master AI. Yes, even if you've never used an AI tool before!
Our strategies are designed for all educators, regardless of your tech expertise or the budget you're working with. From cost-effective tools to budget-friendly AI tips, we've got you covered!
And as for the ethical use of AI, we tackle those concerns head-on. We deeply delve into issues such as privacy, equity, avoiding bias, and so much more. After reading this book, your ethical concerns won't just be answered; they'll be allayed. [From Amazon]
STARTS 10/6/25
November - 2059: The Future of Education, by Micah Shippee (8 PD Hours)
In this groundbreaking exploration of education's future, Dr. Micah Shippee charts a course through the next several decades of learning, offering a visionary yet pragmatic roadmap for educators, administrators, and policymakers. From AI-powered personalized learning to brain-computer interfaces, from global virtual classrooms to space-based education, 2059: The Future of Education examines how emerging technologies and societal shifts will transform the way we teach and learn.
Drawing on decades of experience as both an educator and education technology leader, Shippee introduces the innovative Fusion Model for managing educational change, providing practical frameworks for adopting new technologies while preserving the irreplaceable human elements of learning. Through detailed scenarios and real-world examples, he explores four possible futures of education, from the hyper-connected classroom of 2029 to the post-scarcity scholar of 2059.
But this is not just another book about technology in education. At its heart, 2059: The Future of Education is about empowering learners with agency – the ability to navigate change and shape their own futures. Shippee argues persuasively that success in tomorrow's world will depend not just on what students know, but on their capacity to adapt, create, and collaborate in an increasingly automated world.
Whether you are a teacher preparing students for an AI-augmented future, an administrator planning for long-term change, or a policymaker shaping educational systems, this book provides the insights and tools needed to make informed decisions today that will impact learning for decades to come. 2059: The Future of Education is an essential guide for anyone invested in preparing learners for a future that is rapidly becoming our present. [From Amazon]
STARTS 11/3/25
January - Whole Child, Whole Life: 10 Ways to Help Kids Live, Learn, & Thrive, by Stephanie Malia Krauss. (5.0 PD Hours)
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE • ONE OF TIME’S TEN BEST NONFICTION BOOKS OF THE DECADE • ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES’S 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE 21ST CENTURY • A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST NONFICTION BOOK OF THE CENTURY
One of the most acclaimed books of our time, this modern classic “has set a new standard for reporting on poverty” (Barbara Ehrenreich, The New York Times Book Review).
In Evicted, Princeton sociologist and MacArthur “Genius” Matthew Desmond follows eight families in Milwaukee as they each struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Hailed as “wrenching and revelatory” (The Nation), “vivid and unsettling” (New York Review of Books), Evicted transforms our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving one of twenty-first-century America’s most devastating problems. Its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible.
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: President Barack Obama, The New York Times Book Review, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, NPR, Entertainment Weekly, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, Esquire, BuzzFeed, Fortune, San Francisco Chronicle, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Politico, The Week, Chicago Public Library, BookPage, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Shelf Awareness
WINNER OF: The National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction • The PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction • The Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction • The Hillman Prize for Book Journalism • The PEN/New England Award • The Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize
FINALIST FOR THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE AND THE KIRKUS PRIZE
“Evicted stands among the very best of the social justice books.”—Ann Patchett, author of Bel Canto and Commonwealth
“Gripping and moving—tragic, too.”—Jesmyn Ward, author of Salvage the Bones
“Evicted is that rare work that has something genuinely new to say about poverty.”—San Francisco Chronicle
Read more [From Amazon]
STARTS 1/8/2024
February - Never Work Harder Than You Students and Other Principles of Great Teaching (2nd ed.), by Robyn Jackson (8 PD Hours)
Some great teachers are born, but most are self-made. And the way to make yourself a great teacher is to learn to think and act like one.
In this updated second edition of the best-selling Never Work Harder Than Your Students, Robyn R. Jackson reaffirms that every teacher can become a master teacher. The secret is not a specific strategy or technique, nor it is endless hours of prep time. It's developing a master teacher mindset—rigorously applying seven principles to your teaching until they become your automatic response:
Teaching is hard work, and great teaching means doing the right kind of hard work: the kind that pays off. Join tens of thousands of teachers around the world who have embarked on their journeys toward mastery. Discover for yourself the difference that Jackson's principles will make in your classroom and for your students. [From Amazon]
STARTS 2/2/2026
In this updated second edition of the best-selling Never Work Harder Than Your Students, Robyn R. Jackson reaffirms that every teacher can become a master teacher. The secret is not a specific strategy or technique, nor it is endless hours of prep time. It's developing a master teacher mindset—rigorously applying seven principles to your teaching until they become your automatic response:
- Start where you students are.
- Know where your students are going.
- Expect to get your students there.
- Support your students along the way.
- Use feedback to help you and your students get better.
- Focus on quality rather than quantity.
- Never work harder than your students.
Teaching is hard work, and great teaching means doing the right kind of hard work: the kind that pays off. Join tens of thousands of teachers around the world who have embarked on their journeys toward mastery. Discover for yourself the difference that Jackson's principles will make in your classroom and for your students. [From Amazon]
STARTS 2/2/2026
March - Grading For Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms (2nd ed.), by Joe Feldman (9 PD Hours)
Here at last―and none too soon―is a resource that delivers the research base, tools, and courage to tackle one of the most challenging and emotionally charged conversations in today’s schools: our inconsistent grading practices and the ways they can inadvertently perpetuate the achievement and opportunity gaps among our students.
With Grading for Equity, Joe Feldman cuts to the core of the conversation, revealing how grading practices that are accurate, bias-resistant, and motivational will improve learning, minimize grade inflation, reduce failure rates, and become a lever for creating stronger teacher-student relationships and more caring classrooms. Essential reading for schoolwide and individual book study or for student advocates, Grading for Equity provides
- A critical historical backdrop, describing how our inherited system of grading was originally set up as a sorting mechanism to provide or deny opportunity, control students, and endorse a "fixed mindset" about students’ academic potential―practices that are still in place a century later
- A summary of the research on motivation and equitable teaching and learning, establishing a rock-solid foundation and a "true north" orientation toward equitable grading practices
- Specific grading practices that are more equitable, along with teacher examples, strategies to solve common hiccups and concerns, and evidence of effectiveness
- Reflection tools for facilitating individual or group engagement and understanding
As Joe writes, "Grading practices are a mirror not just for students, but for us as their teachers." Each one of us should start by asking, "What do my grading practices say about who I am and what I believe?" Then, let’s make the choice to do things differently . . . with Grading for Equity as a dog-eared reference. [From Amazon]
STARTS 3/2/2026
April - Kids Deserve It: Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Conventional Thinking (2nd ed.), by Todd Nesloney and Adam Welcome (6 PD Hours)
What if learning was exciting?
What if students felt important and empowered every time they walked into the building?
What if parents looked forward to calls from their children’s teachers and principals, instead of cringing when the school’s number popped up on their phones?
To Todd Nesloney and Adam Welcome, those aren’t far-fetched what ifs; they can (and should) be a reality for every teacher, school, parent, and student.
In Kids Deserve It!, Todd and Adam encourage you to think big and make learning fun and meaningful for students. While you’re at it, you just might rediscover why you became an educator in the first place.
- Learn why you should be calling parents to praise your students (and employees).
- Discover ways to promote family interaction and improve relationships for kids at school and at home.
- Be inspired to take risks, shake up the status quo, and be a champion for your students.
#KidsDeserveIt
"For anyone working with young people and in need of a pep talk, this is the book for you.” -Brad Montague, creator of Kid President
“Kids Deserve It! provides real-life takeaways for anyone involved in making the world a better place for our kids." -Steve Mesler, Olympic Gold Medalist, co-founder and CEO of Classroom Champions
"Kids Deserve It! is a brilliant—and much-needed—invitation to educators to dare to innovate.” -Peter H. Reynolds, author of The Dot
“After reading this book, you will be crazy about all kids. They deserve it!” -Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning principal and author of The Immortality of Influence
“It's an outstanding read for educators at any level.” -Angela Maiers, educator, author, speaker, founder of Choose2Matter
“Whether you are a parent, teacher, or administrator, this powerful little collection of ideas and stories will nurture your spirit and refresh your memory about why you chose to work with kids in the first place.” -Erik Wahl, artist, author, ambassador for kids. [From Amazon]
STARTS 4/6/2026
What if learning was exciting?
What if students felt important and empowered every time they walked into the building?
What if parents looked forward to calls from their children’s teachers and principals, instead of cringing when the school’s number popped up on their phones?
To Todd Nesloney and Adam Welcome, those aren’t far-fetched what ifs; they can (and should) be a reality for every teacher, school, parent, and student.
In Kids Deserve It!, Todd and Adam encourage you to think big and make learning fun and meaningful for students. While you’re at it, you just might rediscover why you became an educator in the first place.
- Learn why you should be calling parents to praise your students (and employees).
- Discover ways to promote family interaction and improve relationships for kids at school and at home.
- Be inspired to take risks, shake up the status quo, and be a champion for your students.
#KidsDeserveIt
"For anyone working with young people and in need of a pep talk, this is the book for you.” -Brad Montague, creator of Kid President
“Kids Deserve It! provides real-life takeaways for anyone involved in making the world a better place for our kids." -Steve Mesler, Olympic Gold Medalist, co-founder and CEO of Classroom Champions
"Kids Deserve It! is a brilliant—and much-needed—invitation to educators to dare to innovate.” -Peter H. Reynolds, author of The Dot
“After reading this book, you will be crazy about all kids. They deserve it!” -Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning principal and author of The Immortality of Influence
“It's an outstanding read for educators at any level.” -Angela Maiers, educator, author, speaker, founder of Choose2Matter
“Whether you are a parent, teacher, or administrator, this powerful little collection of ideas and stories will nurture your spirit and refresh your memory about why you chose to work with kids in the first place.” -Erik Wahl, artist, author, ambassador for kids. [From Amazon]
STARTS 4/6/2026
Book Study FAQs
How much does a book study cost?
Each book study is $Free for the 25-26 school year. 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?
A group rate isn't necessary for free book studies, although we can help out with group registration. Use the orange 'Contact Us' tab at the bottom of your screen and we'll send a blank spreadsheet.
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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