This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
Happy National Teacher Day. This year with the Coronavirus upsetting everyone’s plans, an extra special shout out to the teachers who are keeping their chin up, demonstrating flexibility and making a difference in their students’ lives.
For today’s holiday – I am excited to share FIVE of my favorite books about teachers.
Table of Contents
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Miss Temple was the sunshine at a dreary charity school where Jane Eyre was sent as a child. Miss Temple was a positive female role model to Jane and her friend Helen Burns with her compassion and self-respect.
Amanda Root gave a sympathetic performance as Miss Temple in the 1996 Film.
Age Appropriateness: 13 years +
Suggested Reading: 19 Terrific British Literature Books [Part 1]
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Miss Honey is such a beloved teacher. She supports her students, especially Matilda, both academically and emotionally.
In the Broadway musical, she is given two great numbers to help see into her inner soul.
Age Appropriateness: 8 years +
The Freedom Writers Diary by The Freedom Writers
A true story perfect for National Teacher Day. Erin Grunwald was a first-year teacher in Long Beach, California, who gained world acclaim when she found a way to reach her inner-city students through out-of-the-box concepts.
The story was even made into a movie starring Hillary Swank as Erin Grunwald.
Age Appropriateness: 13 years +
Good-Bye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton
Mr. Chipping, Chips as he is affectionately known, is a teacher at a boys school in England for some 60 years. After discovering the joys of love, his outlook and attitude start to change and he becomes well-loved by students and colleagues alike.
The story was made into the wonderful movie with Robert Donat and Greer Garson.
Age Appropriateness: 13 years +
Dead Poets Society by N.H. Kleinbaum
John Keating is a flamboyant professor of English at an all-boys school who encourages his students to “make (their) lives extraordinary!” I think we all wish we had a Mr. Keating at one point in our studies. He would probably receive a National Teacher Day award if he was a real person.
The story was made into a gorgeous film with Robin Williams and a young Robert Sean Leonard (“House”).
Age Appropriateness: 13 years +
Sharing is Caring
Continue the Conversation
How will you support your teachers today?
All my teacher friends definitely need some recognition for the hard work they are still doing, I’ll have to send them this list and see which they would like me to get
Great resource for Teacher books. I will check them out and buy for my teacher friends. Thanks!
Jane Eyre, Matilda, Goodbye Mr Chips – I have read these books. They really are an example for the kids to love books, the value of a teacher in a child’s life and education. Good article.
Great book list! I need to read Matilda by Roald Dahl! I’ll definitely order online.
I’ve never heard of those books before but they all sound interesting. Will definitely check them out sometime.
Jane Eyre was one of my all time favorite books growing up as a child! Especially reading about Miss Temple’s attitude! Great list of reads here to share with our educators.
Now that the school is closed where I live and that I have to do home school I realize how much it’s hard to make a child do some school work… Cheers to our teachers who help our children to learn.
I think everyone should really stop and consider what teachers do for children. They are huge role models in their lives. I love this.
I have heard of most of those books. I haven’t read any of them, however. I did see the movie Dead Poet’s Society and the Matilda movie.
I love this so much! Teachers do so much for our kids. I think EVERY parent knows that more than ever these days. They deserve to be acknowledged for the work they do.
Teachers DEFINITELY need to be recognized for their efforts!! I know I could NEVER be a teacher!!