7 Best-Selling Teaching Books Millions Love

Recommended by education experts Michael Petrilli, David Wees, and Jennifer Gonzalez, these Teaching Books offer proven strategies and best-selling insights.

Michael Petrilli
David Wees
Jennifer Gonzalez
Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in Teaching, where tried-and-true methods can make all the difference in classrooms and homes. Millions of educators, parents, and specialists have turned to these seven best-selling Teaching books, finding guidance that has stood the test of time and the scrutiny of expert educators. Teaching remains a cornerstone of society, and these titles reflect approaches that many have validated through their success and impact.

Michael Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, highlights Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons for its practical phonics approach embraced by parents. Meanwhile, math educator David Wees champions Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics for its research-backed techniques that transform student engagement. Education consultant Jennifer Gonzalez praises Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain for its brain-based strategies that empower diverse learners. Each expert's recommendation comes from their deep involvement and success in their fields, bringing you tested and trusted teaching wisdom.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Teaching needs might consider creating a personalized Teaching book that combines these validated approaches. This option lets you focus on your unique goals and background, blending expert insight with a custom fit for your teaching journey.

Best for parents teaching early reading
Michael Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute and a respected voice in education policy, highlights this book as a standout resource for teaching children to read. His endorsement, shared in conversation with other education experts, reflects how this phonics-based approach aligns with what many parents and educators find effective. Petrilli's perspective as a father and policy leader adds weight to his recommendation, suggesting this method’s practical value for those ready to guide young learners through foundational reading skills.
MP

Recommended by Michael Petrilli

President, Thomas B. Fordham Institute; education expert

@EricaLG @jwalnuth @Dale_Chu @greg_ashman @ehanford I agree, that's a great book. 101? (from X)

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons: Revised and Updated Second Edition book cover

by Siegfried Engelmann, Phyllis Haddox, Elaine Bruner·You?

1986·420 pages·Teaching, Phonics, Early Literacy, Parental Involvement, Reading Skills

When Siegfried Engelmann and his co-authors developed this program, they aimed to simplify reading instruction into manageable, daily lessons that parents can easily deliver at home. The book lays out a phonics-based curriculum in 100 color-coded lessons designed to build a child's reading skills incrementally, focusing on decoding, blending, and word recognition. You’ll find clear guidance on teaching sounds and letters, plus supplementary materials that support parent involvement. This approach suits parents eager to actively engage in their child’s early literacy, especially if traditional school methods aren’t meeting their child’s needs or if they prefer a structured, research-backed method.

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Best for educators seeking social justice
Bell Hooks is a distinguished professor and prolific writer whose extensive work spans feminist classics and educational theory. Her experience teaching at Berea College in Kentucky informs this book, where she combines personal insight with a commitment to freedom in education. Her unique perspective invites you to reconsider how teaching can challenge systemic barriers and encourage transformative learning experiences.
Teaching To Transgress book cover

by Bell Hooks··You?

1994·200 pages·Teaching, Education, Gender Studies, College & University, Critical Pedagogy

Bell Hooks's decades of teaching experience and critical writing fuel this book’s exploration of education beyond traditional boundaries. She challenges you to see teaching as an act of liberation, blending feminist theory with classroom practice to confront issues of race, gender, and class. You’ll gain insights into how education can be a space for radical change, not just knowledge transfer, with chapters that mix personal narrative and cultural critique. This book suits educators and activists eager to rethink their approach to teaching and learning in ways that foster equity and empowerment.

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Best for custom teaching plans
This AI-created book on teaching mastery is written based on your background, skill level, and specific interests in elevating student engagement. By sharing your goals and preferred teaching topics, you receive a book crafted to focus precisely on what you want to improve. This tailored approach respects your unique classroom context, making learning more relevant and effective for your professional journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Teaching, Teaching Fundamentals, Student Engagement, Classroom Management, Instructional Techniques

This tailored book explores detailed approaches to elevate your teaching practice and boost student engagement, focusing on your unique background and goals. It covers essential teaching principles, classroom management techniques, and innovative methods to connect meaningfully with diverse learners. By integrating proven concepts with your personal interests, it reveals how to craft lessons that resonate and inspire. The content is carefully matched to your experience level and objectives, ensuring you delve deeply into the aspects of teaching most relevant to you. This personalized guide transforms broad educational knowledge into a focused exploration tailored to your specific professional growth and classroom needs.

Tailored Guide
Engagement Optimization
3,000+ Books Created
Best for math teachers fostering critical thinking
David Wees, a respected math educator known for his advocacy in innovative teaching, found this book essential for transforming how math is taught. He highlights Peter Liljedahl’s approachable style and practical advice, noting, "For teachers hoping to transform their teaching practice, Peter has written a definitive source." David's experience aligns with many educators seeking to make math classrooms more engaging and thoughtful, making this guide a strong recommendation for those ready to rethink their approach.
DW

Recommended by David Wees

Math educator and education advocate

For teachers hoping to transform their teaching practice, Peter has written a definitive source. Peter’s conversational style makes this work both interesting to read and easy to follow. He describes a rich set of practices that will help mathematics teachers transform, in a positive way, everything about their classroom. Peter turns the daunting challenge into something manageable with advice that is both believable and practical. (from Amazon)

2020·346 pages·Teaching, Learning, Experimental Education Methods, Mathematics Education, Collaborative Learning

What started as a high school teacher's frustration with traditional math classrooms became a transformative guide authored by Dr. Peter Liljedahl, a professor deeply embedded in educational research. You’ll discover 14 targeted teaching practices designed to spark genuine mathematical thinking in students, from collaborative problem-solving techniques to classroom layouts that encourage engagement. Chapters include practical examples, such as how to implement vertical non-permanent surfaces and purposeful groupings, making these approaches tangible rather than abstract theories. If you’re looking to move beyond rote learning to foster critical thinking in math, this book offers a clear, manageable path.

Cmolik Prize for Public Education Enhancement
Margaret Sinclair Memorial Award in Mathematics Education
Læringsprisen for Educational Innovation in Denmark
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Best for equity-focused teaching strategies
Jennifer Gonzalez, a well-known education consultant passionate about empowering teachers, highlights this book as essential for culturally responsive teaching. She found it invaluable for brain-based learning strategies that address diverse student needs, sharing it as "A Must-Have Guide to Culturally Responsive Teaching Book by @Ready4rigor". Her recommendation reflects the book's impact on educators seeking to deepen engagement and rigor in multicultural classrooms, making it a trusted choice for those aiming to elevate their teaching practice.
JG

Recommended by Jennifer Gonzalez

Teacher advocate and education consultant

A Must-Have Guide to Culturally Responsive Teaching Book by @Ready4rigor #brainbasedlearning #culturallyresponsiveteaching (from X)

2014·192 pages·Teaching, Education, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Brain-Based Learning, Student Engagement

The breakthrough moment came when Zaretta Hammond connected neuroscience with culturally responsive teaching, reshaping how educators engage diverse classrooms. Drawing from her 18 years in instructional design and coaching, Hammond offers you a clear framework to understand how culture shapes brain function and learning relationships. You’ll explore ten essential "key moves" that help build students’ learner operating systems, preparing them for independent learning, with actionable prompts for reflection throughout. This book suits educators committed to closing achievement gaps by fostering authentic engagement and rigor among culturally and linguistically diverse students.

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Best for homeschooling parents seeking calm
Sarah Mackenzie brings firsthand experience as a homeschooling mother of six and a recognized voice in the homeschooling community. Her work extends beyond writing into podcasting and editorial leadership, focusing on nurturing intellectual and family life. This background informs her book, offering you an approach to homeschooling grounded in calm and thoughtful engagement rather than pressure or burnout.
Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace book cover

by Sarah Mackenzie, Dr. Christopher Perrin··You?

2015·112 pages·Teaching, Homeschooling, Education, Restful Learning, Parental Guidance

Sarah Mackenzie's experience as a homeschooling mother of six shapes this guide into a thoughtful exploration of how to approach education without stress. Drawing on the classical concept of scholé, or restful learning, she offers insights into cultivating a peaceful, enriching environment for both parent and child. You'll find practical reflections on managing anxiety and fostering intellectual curiosity, especially in chapters discussing daily rhythms and the importance of rest. This book suits parents dedicated to homeschooling who seek to replace overwhelm with calm, though those expecting a traditional curriculum guide may find its focus more philosophical than instructional.

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Best for measurable teaching improvements
This AI-created book on teaching improvement is tailored to your specific goals and background, focusing on practical actions you can take every day for 30 days. You share your current teaching experience and which areas you want to enhance, and the book is created to match exactly what you want to achieve. Personalizing the content this way makes your learning journey more relevant and efficient, helping you see real results fast without wading through unrelated material.
2025·50-300 pages·Teaching, Teaching Fundamentals, Classroom Management, Lesson Planning, Student Engagement

This tailored book explores a personalized 30-day plan designed to help you achieve rapid and measurable improvements in your teaching practice. It covers essential teaching techniques and effective classroom actions, focusing closely on your interests and background to ensure relevance and practical value. By combining core educational concepts with your specific goals, the book offers a clear, step-by-step pathway to skill development and student engagement. The approach encourages reflection and application each day, making learning both accessible and impactful. This tailored teaching guide reveals how targeted daily efforts can transform your instructional methods and foster meaningful student outcomes within just one month.

Tailored Guide
Rapid Teaching Improvement
3,000+ Books Created
Evan-Moor's Writing Fabulous Sentences & Paragraphs workbook is a longstanding resource in teaching that has helped many educators and parents guide students through the essential stages of writing development. With 112 pages packed with lessons progressing from sentence construction to paragraph writing, it stands out for its reproducible models and detailed teacher instructions. This workbook addresses the challenge of moving young writers from basic sentence formation to more complex writing skills, making it a valuable tool for grades 4 to 6. Whether in a classroom or homeschool setting, it supports learners in mastering key writing elements like topic sentences and figurative language, meeting a core need in teaching writing effectively.
1997·112 pages·Writing Skills, Teaching, Writing, Education, Paragraph Writing

What started as a need to support young writers' development became a structured guide in Evan-Moor's workbook, designed specifically for grades 4 through 6. You’ll learn to build from crafting simple sentences to composing detailed paragraphs, with over 70 reproducible models and clear teacher instructions to facilitate learning. This workbook introduces you to key writing components such as main ideas, topic sentences, figurative language, and descriptive details, making it ideal if you’re aiming to enhance writing skills in classroom or homeschool settings. While it’s tailored for upper elementary students, educators and parents seeking a solid foundation in writing pedagogy will find this resource straightforward and effective.

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Best for nursing educators online teaching
Designing and Teaching Online Courses in Nursing offers a focused approach to the unique challenges of nursing education in an online format. The book stands out for its use of contemporary educational theories and cognitive psychology to guide faculty through course development and student engagement. It provides practical, structured tools like worksheets and discussion trackers, helping instructors adapt to the online environment while respecting adult learners’ strengths. Ideal for nursing educators at all academic levels, this book addresses a critical gap in resources for online nursing faculty, emphasizing effective facilitation and course design to enhance both teaching and learning outcomes.
Designing and Teaching Online Courses in Nursing book cover

by Sally Kennedy PhD APRN FNP CNE·You?

1754·324 pages·Teaching, Online Education, Course Design, Adult Learning, Nursing Education

What if everything you knew about online nursing education was wrong? Sally Kennedy PhD APRN FNP CNE challenges assumptions that classroom teaching skills directly translate online, emphasizing the distinct dynamics of virtual environments. You learn to design courses that leverage adult learners’ motivation and self-direction, using cognitive psychology insights and an outcomes-based approach to create engaging syllabi, objectives, and discussions. The book is especially useful if you teach nursing at any level—from RN to doctoral programs—and want to improve online engagement and facilitation without overwhelming yourself. Chapters include practical worksheets and tools that help you balance presence with autonomy to foster meaningful learning experiences.

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Conclusion

This curated collection of seven best-selling Teaching books reveals a few clear themes: practical, research-based strategies; a commitment to equity and cultural responsiveness; and support for both traditional and homeschooling environments. If you prefer proven methods grounded in instructional design, start with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons or Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics. For validated approaches that address social justice and brain-based learning, combine Teaching To Transgress with Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain.

Parents seeking calm and sustainable homeschooling will appreciate Teaching from Rest, while nursing educators moving online can turn to Designing and Teaching Online Courses in Nursing. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Teaching book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed, providing a solid foundation for anyone passionate about teaching.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with a book that matches your immediate needs. For parents, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons offers clear steps. Educators interested in classroom engagement may prefer Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics. Each book provides focused strategies, so pick one that aligns closely with your goals.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Teaching?

Not at all. Several books like Teaching from Rest and Evan-Moor's writing workbook cater to beginners, offering accessible guidance. Others, such as Teaching To Transgress, are suited for more experienced educators but still provide valuable insights for all levels.

What's the best order to read these books?

Consider your priorities: foundational skills first, like phonics or writing, then move to broader pedagogical approaches. For example, start with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, then Building Thinking Classrooms, and explore the culturally responsive and critical pedagogy books to deepen understanding.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Both have value. Classics like Teaching To Transgress offer timeless perspectives, while newer titles like Building Thinking Classrooms introduce current research. Balancing both gives you a rich, well-rounded view of teaching practices.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can certainly pick one that fits your current focus. Each book stands alone with effective strategies. However, reading multiple titles can enrich your approach by offering varied perspectives and techniques.

How can I get teaching advice tailored to my specific situation?

Great question! While these expert books provide solid foundations, personalized teaching guides can adapt proven methods to your unique background and goals. You might explore creating a personalized Teaching book to blend expert insights with your specific needs for more targeted guidance.

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