James Riggs

This series of lists is designed to provide educators with a curated professional development toolkit, moving beyond individual lessons to foster a holistic approach to teaching and leadership. The books recommended are not simply for one-off professional development days but are intended to serve as foundational texts for a career in education. The first section, Pedagogy and Classroom Practice, offers actionable strategies for creating a highly effective learning environment. The second, Understanding Students and Well-being, explores the crucial neuroscience and psychological research that underpins student success and healthy development. Finally, Educational Leadership and School Culture provides guidance for building a positive, collaborative, and high-achieving school community. Together, these lists form a comprehensive professional library for educators at every stage of their careers, from the classroom to the front office.

For those who believe a great book is a great mixtape, this list is a curated collection of literary soundtracks. The novels recommended here masterfully blend a deep passion for pop culture, music, and the arts with the messy, often hilarious, realities of modern life. They explore how our obsessions, from rare vinyl to superhero comics, shape our identities, define our friendships, and ultimately, become the unconventional education that truly shapes who we are.