I came across this blog post while messing about on twitter the other day, as I have a secret passion for reading books about teaching (how sad is that for a hobby?!) it was really interesting to see what other people’s recommendations are.

Of course your choice will be determined by many factors, I prefer practical ideas, with a healthy dose of humour and realism, and as I teach EFL in a secondary school and specialise in Special Education Needs my choices reflect this.

So here’s my list:

1. Learning Teaching – Jim Scrivener

If you read one book on TEFL, make it this one, a sound base in theory and good practice, with enough good advice to get you through the first years, and worth a regular re-read.

2. Teaching Languages to Young Learners – Lynne Cameron

Teaching children and teaching TEFL are not the same thing, especially in a secondary school where English is one of many subjects they learn every day.

3. Classroom Management techniques – Jim Scrivener

Good advice and ideas, when it comes to teaching children classroom management is as important as actual content, or at least necessary  in order to get the actual content across to the students.

4. Big questions in ELT – Scott Thornbury

I love Scott’s style and ideas.

While I find EFL books very useful, I also get a lot out of reading books aimed at school teachers in the UK or U.S.A.

5. How to teach – Phil Beadle

A book about teaching that makes you snort with laughter has got to be a good thing!

6. The lazy teachers’ handbook – Jim Smith

One of the downsides about new ideas and materials that books bring is all the extra work that you don’t have time for, not so with this book.

7.  Teach like a Champion – Doug Lemov

A great book with loads of practical ideas, like exit ticket, no excuses, etc.

8. 100+ ideas for… Continuum

A great series packed with practical ideas for teaching dyslexic students, dyspraxic students, secondary classes, etc.

9. The teacher’s toolkit: Raise classroom achievement with strategies for every learner – Paul Ginnis

Does exactly what it says on the box.

10. How to be a brilliant teacher – Trevor Wright

This book is part teaching skills, part self-help book, not for everyone, but worth a feel-good read at the end of a tough week.

So, now it’s your turn, what are your favourites?