10 Books Every Special Educator Should Read

These books are perfect for professional development books for special educators. Are you a special education teacher who needs help with professional development? Here are 10 books every teacher should read. This post is for you. 

Lately, I’ve read many books about teaching children with disabilities, but these 10 are my favorites (in no particular order). Just a heads up, some are really dry and textbook style books and some are fun real stories about individuals with disabilities.

Why should you read books?

Firstly, as a special education teacher, you have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students. Secondly, you may be able to help them overcome obstacles, or you may just be able to provide them with a safe space where they can learn and grow.

However, teachers are often on the front lines when it comes to supporting students with disabilities. As a result, they also need professional development on how best to do that without compromising their own well-being.

5 Professional Development Books for Special Educators

1. The IEP from A to Z: How to Create Meaningful and Measurable Goals and Objectives by Diane Twachtman-Cullen and Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett 
2. 10 Critical Components for Success in the Special Education Classroom by  Marcia W. Rohrer and Nannette M. Samson
3. Morning Meetings for Special Education Classrooms: 101 Fun Ideas, Creative Activities and Adaptable Techniques by  Dr. Felicia Durden Ed.D.
4. Comprehensive Literacy for All: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write by Dr. Karen Erickson Ph.D.
5. Wrightslaw: All About IEPs by Peter W. D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright

5 Stories about People with Disabilities

1. Those Who “Can’t”… Teach: True Stories of Special Needs Families to Promote Acceptance, Inclusion, and Empathy by Shelley Kenow
2. There’s A Boy In Here, Revised edition: A mother and son tell the story of his emergence from the bonds of autism By Sean and Judy Barron
3. Daniel Isn’t Talking By Marti Leimbach
4. Carly’s Voice: Breaking Through Autism by Arthur Fleischmann
5. Eye Can Write: A Memoir of a Child’s Silent Soul Emerging by Jonathan Bryan and Michael Morpurgo M.B.E.

Finally, we all know, as a special educator, you already have an enormous job. You have to teach students with disabilities in a way that helps them reach their full potential. In other words, you have to provide them with the resources they need to succeed. Sometimes you even have to help them find jobs when they get older too. With these 10 books for special educators, you will be better prepared for the daily challenges.

Want to listen to podcasts instead? Here’s a great list!

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