Beyond the Book Club

Book studies

What we’re reading this year

Click a cover to see details and to register.

Topics Engagement Pedagogy Tech tips Classroom management

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Quarterly

One book, about 3 months

Pedagogy

Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel

What if some of the most common study strategies are actually the least effective? In this book study, you'll uncover surprising research about how people truly learn and explore powerful techniques that improve long-term retention, transfer of knowledge, and durable understanding. You'll leave with a fresh perspective on instruction and practical strategies that help students remember more, think more deeply, and become independent, lifelong learners.

Facilitator: Alison Corl

Pedagogy

The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix it

by Natalie Wexler

Why do some students continue to struggle with reading and comprehension, even when they can read the words on the page? In this book study, you'll explore compelling research showing how building students' background knowledge, not just teaching reading skills, is key to improving learning across every subject area. You'll gain practical insights for designing richer instruction that increases comprehension, strengthens critical thinking, and helps all students succeed.

Facilitator: April Gaskell

Pedagogy

Writing Revolution 2.0: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades

by Judith C. Hochman, Natalie Wexler

Even if you don't see yourself as an ELA teacher, this book study will show you how writing can become one of your most powerful instructional tools in any classroom. You'll learn research-based strategies to help students think more critically, deepen their understanding of content, and communicate their learning more effectively whether you teach math, science, social studies, career education, or the arts. Walk away with ready-to-use techniques that improve student learning while making writing a meaningful part of everyday instruction.

Facilitator: Leigh Rogers

Classroom Management

The Science of Discipline: 8 Strategies for Empowering Educators and Engaging Students

by Nathan Maynard

If you've ever wondered how to create a calmer, more engaged classroom without relying on constant consequences, this book study is for you. You'll explore practical, research-based discipline strategies that strengthen relationships, increase student responsibility, and reduce disruptive behaviors while fostering a positive learning environment. Leave with actionable tools you can use immediately to build a classroom culture where students feel supported, empowered, and ready to learn.

Facilitator: Michelle Davis

Monthly

One book per month

Pedagogy

The EduProtocol Field Guide, Book 1: 16 Student-Centered Lesson Frames for Infinite Learning Possibilities

by Marlena Hebern and Jon Corippo

Imagine a classroom where students are actively creating, collaborating, and taking ownership of their learning. This book study introduces EduProtocols - flexible, student-centered lesson frames that help teachers create engaging, collaborative, and meaningful learning experiences without reinventing the wheel every day. You'll discover practical structures that boost student thinking, communication, creativity, and ownership while working across any grade level or content area.

Facilitator: Kevin Heyman

Engagement

Creating an Actively Engaged Classroom: 14 Strategies for Student Success

by Todd Whitney, Justin Cooper, and Terrance M. Scott

Student engagement doesn't happen by chance- it happens by design. In this book study, you'll learn 14 practical, research-based strategies that increase participation, boost attention, and give every student more opportunities to think, respond, and succeed. Walk away with a toolbox of easy-to-implement techniques that make every lesson more interactive, inclusive, and effective, regardless of the grade level or subject you teach.

Facilitator: Michelle Davis

Tech tips

Illuminate: Technology Enhanced Learning

by Bethany Petty

Ready to move beyond "using technology" to creating meaningful learning experiences? You'll discover practical, classroom-ready strategies for using digital tools to increase collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, student reflection, and family engagement, regardless of your grade level or subject. Walk away with ideas you can implement immediately to make learning more engaging and purposeful for your students.

Facilitator: Bethany Petty

Engagement

The Playful Classroom: The Power of Play for All Ages

by Jed Dearybury and Julie P. Jones

Learning doesn't have to be boring-discover how play can unlock deeper engagement and meaningful learning at any grade level. This book study explores the research behind the power of play and how a playful mindset can strengthen engagement, collaboration, critical thinking, and classroom culture. You'll discover strategies for creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that inspire students to take risks, explore ideas, and enjoy the process of learning.

Facilitator: Rebecca Shipley

Classroom Management

The Words That Shape Us: The Science-Based Power of Teacher Language

by Lily Howard Scott

The words you use in the classroom don't just communicate; they shape how students think, feel, and learn. In this book study, you'll explore neuroscience-backed teacher language strategies that build confidence, strengthen relationships, and increase student engagement across all subjects. You'll leave with practical, ready-to-use language shifts that can transform everyday interactions into powerful learning moments.

Facilitator: Alison Corl

Engagement

Create: Illuminate Student Voice through Student Choice

by Bethany Petty

Move beyond simply using technology and discover how to empower students as creators, innovators, and problem-solvers. This book study will provide strategies for giving students meaningful choice while integrating technology in ways that amplify student voice, creativity, and engagement across any content area. You'll be inspired with ready-to-use ideas that help students take ownership of their learning while developing the future-ready skills they need to succeed.

Facilitator: Bethany Petty

Tech tips

AI Literacy in Any Class: Preparing Students to Thrive in an AI Future in Any Grade Level or Content Area

by Matt Miller

AI is already shaping the world your students are growing up in - the question is whether they know how to understand and use it wisely. In this book study, you'll explore ways to integrate AI literacy into any grade level or subject through small shifts in instruction, quick conversations, and everyday teaching moments. You'll leave with ideas that build student curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in an AI-driven future without adding to your workload.

Facilitator: Kelly Cook

MSTA’s “Beyond the Book” Club: Professional Development Book Studies for Missouri Educators

Looking for meaningful, flexible professional development hours or Career Ladder credits?
MSTA’s Beyond the Book Club connects Missouri educators with impactful books on pedagogy, instructional strategies, and classroom management through facilitated online book studies.

What is the “Beyond the Book” Book Club?

The Beyond the Book program is an educator-focused book club that offers monthly and quarterly book studies on current topics in education. Each session includes:

A curated book aligned to effective teaching practices.
An online discussion platform to connect with educators statewide.
At least one live virtual session per month.
Opportunities to reflect, collaborate, and apply new learning directly to your teaching.
Participants who complete all requirements and attend all Zoom meetings will earn a minimum of eight hours of pd.

All participants must purchase their own books.
Registration is required and space is limited.

Extended Book Studies: Flexible, Deep-Dive PD for Teachers

Need more time to complete a study? MSTA also offers Extended Book Studies, ideal for busy teachers seeking deeper support. These two-month studies:

Allow educators more time to read and reflect.
Include bonus content and implementation support.
Focus on high-impact topics like student behavior support and trauma-informed practices.
Are led by experienced facilitators
Extended Book Studies are a great way to meet your PD goals on your schedule.