Books to Broaden Perspectives

Books to Broaden Perspectives

By: Mike Kauffeld

As we educators navigate our new normal, more COVID and the social and emotional challenges of our students, I continue to look for ways to cultivate a culture that will positively impact students. 

Years ago, a dear friend, my school librarian, challenged me to model the kinds of behaviors I wanted from my students. At first, I thought she was talking about traits like respect, kindness, and empathy but that was only part of it. “Mike, If you want your students to be avid readers, you better start being an avid reader yourself”. I took her advice and it has provided me with some of the tools it takes to lead a building in these unprecedented times. 

Her counsel has led me to discover some really powerful books. Books that have allowed me to implement the lessons I have learned, to challenge my own implicit bias, and understand perspectives that are very different from my own. 

I wanted to provide you with a few titles that have broadened my perspective, stirred my emotions and reminded me that not all lessons are academic. 

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. 

Perspectives matter…This book provides you with the clues as to the baggage, challenges, and needs some of your students are struggling with as they enter your class.

Being the Change by Sara K. Ahmend

Sara provides lessons, strategies, and ways to overcome the obstacles you may encounter as you try to bring empathy, sense of belonging, and relationships to your staff and students. 

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

The lesson for me with this book…What you tolerate, you promote. Really hard look at the impact culture can have on your students. 

The last nugget I would like to share with you is a Ted Talk titled Leading with Lollipops by Drew Dudley. Drew reveals the sort of power we possess with our staff and students and how important it is to be kind. In some cases, you’ll never know what someone may glean from your actions.

Thank you for your commitment to the profession. We need professionals like you who are driven by their ability to positively impact students. Please don’t forget about our OMLA conference in the fall. Our organization continues to provide some of the best keynote speakers in the country who are devoted to enriching our life’s work.