I would like to add two books that were not mentioned yet. “A Framework Understanding Poverty” by Ruby Payne and “The Language Police” by Diane Ratvitch.

Here is more information on these three books from bn.com:

“First Days of School: How to be a More Effective Teacher”
Synopsis
Over 3 million copies have been sold of the preeminent book on classroom management and teaching for lesson achievement. The book walks a teacher, either novice or veteran, through the most effective ways to begin a school year and continue to become an effective teacher. This is the most basic book on how to teach. Every teacher and administrator needs to have a copy.

“Language Police”
Synopsis
In this text for educators and concerned citizens, educational historian Ravitch reveals how interest groups on the left and right of the political spectrum have pressured publishers to self-censor texts for use in the classroom. She contends that the removal of potentially controversial words and passages compromises the educational value of these texts. As an alternative, she suggests explaining to students that sometimes history hasn’t been very nice while still allowing historical actors to speak for themselves. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

“Framework for Understanding Poverty”
Customer Review
Ever wonder why people who win the lottery often end up in worse shape after they win than before? It’s often because our lives are governed by the way we perceive the world and think. Our social networks, entertainment, perception of resources, and so on shape our interactions with others and with the world. There is literally a different culture in generational poverty than in the ‘middle class’ or among the wealthy. And moving across cultural strata is not so simple as just having or not having money. I’ve often wondered why ‘in my experience’ it can be so hard to help those in need – specifically, those who seem to be living in generational poverty. Sure, I can give a few dollars to help with an urgent situation such as getting the electricity turned back on but I have often felt powerless to help bring real, lasting change to people in need. Ruby Payne addresses these issues in a powerful way. Her research and understanding make hear a well- qualified leader and her suggestions have helped shape my ability to be more effective.

Like so many others I get my information from subscribing to blogs written by my colleagues and leaders in the field of education. Here is a list of my favorites.

Educational Leaders:

Wes Fryer’s “Speed of Creativity”
http://www.speedofcreativity.org/

Darren Draper’s’ Drape’s Takes”
drapestakes.blogspot.com/

Will Richardsons “Weblogg-ed”
weblogg-ed.com

I also enjoy reading the blogs of my colleagues who are well on their way to being internationally known (or at least regionally known) educational bloggers.

Cory Plough’s “The Nex Step” thenextstep.edublogs.org/

Josh Allen’s “Tech Fridge”
http://www.techfridge.com/

and of course………..
Michelle Baldwin’s “Avenue of Learning”
avenue4learning.com

Trouble I find is while I know that I should read many of the other books suggested I spend so much time reading information on the Internet when I have relaxation time I just want to have some down time. Watch a movie or read a good book that don’t make me think too much.

That said, I second the recommendation of “The First Days of School” if for nothing else than it helped form my ideas about classroom structures and procedures.

For new media, I recommend Dan Meyers blog, dy/dan at http://blog.mrmeyer.com/ because he talks a lot about authentically including new technologies in courses.

Teachers can gain great perspective by “stepping outside of the field” sometimes-I love reading marketing and business books. My favorites now:
Seth Godin-Tribes
Innovate Like Edison-Gelb
Good to Great-Collins
Made to Stick-Chip and Dan Heath
Here Comes Everybody-Clay Shirkey

Education Must Reads-
Debbie Miller-Teaching with Intention
Debbie Diller-Spaces and Places
To Understand-Ellin Keene
Choice Words- Peter Johnson

Lots of Favorites already Mentioned

and a fun read is
32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny : Life Lessons from Teaching by Phillip Done –
great insights and classroom stories.

Teaching with Love and Logic : Taking Control of the Classroom by Jim Fay, David Funk, Jim Fay

The Essential 55 : An Award-winning Educator’s Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child, Vol. 55 by Ron Clark

The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease

The First Days of School by Harry Wong

Chicken Soup for the Teacher’s Soul

Now these are not tech related, and they may be dated as I have been teaching for over 20 years, but these are some of the standouts in my collection. I am interested to see what will be included in your list and look forward to discovering new must reads.

Look forward to hearing more. Great site!

Here Comes Everybody, Clay Shirky
A Whole New Mind, Daniel Pink
The Wisdom of Crowds, James Surowiecki
How to Grade for Learning, Ken O’Connor

I also post great online articles and blog posts to my del.icio.us bookmarks. (michellek107)

What about you?