If there’s one thing teachers know for sure, it’s that learning never stops—especially for us! Whether you’re revisiting the Science of Reading, refining your writing instruction, or trying to make comprehension “click” for every student, the right professional reads (PD book) can become a powerful classroom companion.
The books below aren’t just full of theory. They’re packed with practical tools, research-backed strategies, and lightbulb moments that help us grow into even stronger, more confident teachers.
Here are four must-have professional reads we recommend keeping close—on your desk, in your teacher bag, or on your nightstand.
📘 Shifting the Balance (Grades 3–5) by Katie Cunningham
6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading to Upper Elementary
If you’ve ever wondered how to align your upper elementary literacy block with the Science of Reading, this is the professional read (PD book) for you. Shifting the Balance breaks down six key shifts to help you move from balanced literacy to research-based instruction—without scrapping everything you’ve already built.
Why we love it:
- Perfect for 3rd–5th grade teachers
- Clear explanations of what needs to shift—and why
- Practical classroom strategies you can start using right away
📝 Use this book to audit your current literacy practices and feel confident about making meaningful changes.
📗 Teaching Phonics & Word Study in the Intermediate Grades by Wiley Blevins
A Deep Dive into Foundational Skills for Big Kids
Phonics isn’t just for K–2. And Wiley Blevins makes a compelling case for why foundational skills matter just as much in the intermediate grades. This book is loaded with routines, examples, and explanations that help older students fill in gaps and grow as confident, capable readers.
Why we love it:
- Strong focus on decoding and encoding
- Great for small group intervention and whole group review
- Shows you how to integrate word study with comprehension work
📝 Keep this one handy if you support readers who need a bit more structure to thrive.
📙 The Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy Lewis Hennessy
Helping Students Make Meaning from Text
This book is a game-changer for anyone who’s asked: “Why aren’t they understanding what they just read?” It breaks comprehension down into its core components—things like background knowledge, verbal reasoning, and syntax—and shows how each one contributes to a student’s ability to truly understand a text.
Why we love it:
- Deeply rooted in the Science of Reading
- Offers a framework to guide comprehension instruction
- Helps teachers diagnose and address comprehension struggles
📝 Pair this with your read-alouds or nonfiction units to strengthen your instructional planning.
📕 The Writing Rope by Joan Sedita
A Framework for Explicit Writing Instruction in All Subjects
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to teach writing—not just assign it—this book will be your new go-to. Joan Sedita presents a clear, structured model for writing instruction that weaves together all the critical strands: transcription, sentence construction, text structure, planning, and more.
Why we love it:
- Makes writing instruction feel doable, even if it’s not your comfort zone
- Aligns beautifully with the Science of Reading
- Emphasizes the role of writing in every subject area
📝 This is a great one to revisit when planning writing units or rethinking how you teach revision.
Ready to Build Your Own Professional Reads Stack?
If you’re a member of The Stellar Literacy Collective, you’ve probably already seen how many of these books influence our resources. From our sentence writing routine to comprehension questions to phonics review passages—these PD reads have shaped our thinking, and we know they’ll inspire you too.
Whether you’re reading them poolside in the summer or bookmarking strategies during planning time, these books are more than “just PD.” They’re the tools we use to build better outcomes for our students—and ourselves.
You can find the all the titles HERE!
Want to know how we’ve put the research from these books into action?
Join us inside the Stellar Literacy Collective for access to ready-to-use resources that are inspired by the best practices in literacy instruction.
Looking for more ELA support this year? We’ve got you covered—no matter how you like to learn!
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▶️ Subscribe to The Stellar Teacher YouTube Channel for practical tutorials and bite-sized PD videos you can actually use.
🎙️ Tune in to The Stellar Teacher Podcast for weekly episodes that make you feel like you’re chatting with your teacher bestie—filled with research-backed strategies and real-life classroom solutions.
Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, time-saving tips, or just a little extra inspiration, we’re here to help you create a stellar literacy block your students will love.
📚 Happy reading and happy teaching!
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