We all want to be the very best teachers we can be. With limited time and unlimited possibilities, how can you make the most of your professional development time? Before you buy the latest potentially "gimicky" book about teaching, consider the following guidelines before you make this purchase and you'll ensure that your professional reading leads to increased student achievement.

Subject Matter Improvement
Every teacher has strengths and weaknesses. Do you need to beef up your Science instruction or is Writing your weakest spot? Honestly think about where you excel and where you could stand to improve. Then, browse for those books that address the big picture, with practical tips and ideas. Ask colleagues for ideas about what worked for them.
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Instructional Theory
Do you want to learn more about the theory behind the lessons you teach? If so, look for books that focus on the proven research about how children learn and what practices work. Books about brain research are particularly interesting and can truly inform your teaching by helping you do what really works for kids.

Lesson Plans
These extremely practical books spell out specific lessons that you can easily customize and implement in your classroom right away. I've been impressed by Scholastic's line of such books, as well as those by Teacher Created Materials. Don't feel pressured to use each lesson blindly. Adapt the lessons to your style and your kids' needs and you'll be all set!

Children's Literature for Lessons
One of the most effective ways to make an instructional point is through targeted, quality children's books. There are great books about Math, for example, that help students visualize abstract concepts through fun stories. They won't even realize they're learning, but you certainly will!