In this class we use Teach like a Champion, by Doug Lemov, to improve our teaching. It's not the bible, and shouldn't be treated like it--but it's a fantastic book because it allows students to do one thing well, improve on it, and then start on another thing. The whole video is too long, but it shows Lemov's explanation for why he wrote the book and why it is important to him. Of course, there are hundreds of other books that I could choose too--this just happens to be a favorite of mine. The point is helping students improve in their capacity.

In every class I try to watch a movie with students--almost as a community event that brings some sense of belonging. In this class, it's always Waiting for Superman. We have a potluck, throw a party, and watch a movie that is deeply important to me. Why is it so important to me? Waiting for Superman paints a perfect picture of just how important teachers are--how much is on the line for kids, and what role we can play in it all.