Adams, M., Blumenfield, W. J., Castaneda, C.,Hackman, H., Peters, M., & Zuniga, X. (2013).Readings for Diversity and Social Justice (3rd ed.).New York, NY: Rutledge. This book made me look at the world from a social justice standpoint. It had sections that focused on racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism and many more. This book contains many short writings and includes over one-hundred thirty selections from some of the foremost scholars in a wide range of fields. |
Dewey, J. (1938). Experience & Education. New York, NY: Touchstone. In this book John Dewey analyzes both 'traditional" and "progressive"education. Growth and experience is a vital aspect to education. John Dewey realized this and was able to develop a short concise version of how he thought school systems should be teaching students. Progressive teaching was a new way to look at how we all learn,and how our experiences shape the learning environment. I was able to relate with his way of thinking. I have experienced both traditional and progressive styles of teaching and it has made me the individual I am today. Here is a personal reflection that I wrote about this book. |
Albom, M. (n.d.). Tuesdays With Morrie. N.p.: Sphere. This is an amazing book about life. It focused on Mitch Albo, and his college professor Morries. Morrie was a phenomena l mentor to Mitch and this book allowed me to look at my life and think who my mentors have been. I asked myself if I would be the same person without them. I highly recommend reading this book. 
Palmer, P. J. (2007). The Courage to Teach. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
While reading The Courage To Teach I was able to look back on my own teaching styles and examine my teaching philosophy. It was very philosophical and allowed me to ask myself if I have the courage to teach. Each chapter was a building block on how I can be a better teacher to my students. What I enjoyed is these chapters didn’t focus on techniques they focused on examining myself and understanding my own selfhood. Once I better understand myself, I will be able to better teach my students. Here is a personal reflection that I wrote about this book. 
Galbraith, M. W. (2004). Adult Learning Methods: A Guide for Effective Instruction (3rd ed.). Malabar, FL: Krieger Publishing Company. This is a great book that focuses on different ways to understand and facilitate adult learning. The book is comprised of two parts. The first part focuses on characteristics of a good teacher, understanding adult learners, designing instruction, motivation strategies, and philosophical outlooks. The second part describes in detail an array of methods and techniques to use in the classroom. |
Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult Learning Linking Theory and Practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. This book offers an amazing overview of the major theories and research in adult learning. Sharan Merriam and Laura Bierema prove how life experiences and learning are related and focus on the role of motivation and learning. This book was one of the first books that was directed at adult education that I read. It really opened my eyes to what adult education really is. 
Brookfield, S. D. (2013). Powerful Techniques for Teaching Adults. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. This manual is full of tested exercises, methods, and activities. Brookfield explains how teaching critical thinking, using discussion, and fostering self-directed learning can increase learner retention and learner transfer. I believe this is a must lead for all adult educators. 
Kasworm, C. E., Rose, A. D., & Ross-Gordon, J. M. (2010). Handbook of Adult and Continuing Education (2010 ed.).
Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications. This handbook provides adult education scholars, program administrators, and teachers with a solid foundation for understanding the current guiding beliefs, practices, and tensions faced in the field, as well as a basis for developing and refining their own approaches to their work. It examines adult and continuing education as it relates to gender and sexuality, race, our aging society, class and place, and disability. |
Smith, P. L., & Ragan, T. J. (2005). Instructional Design (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Just as the title suggests, this book focuses on different methods to design instructional sessions. It equipped me with a solid foundation to design instructional session and create positive environments that really facilitate learning. It focuses on analysis, strategy design, assessment and evaluation. |
Creswell, J. (2015). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (Fifth ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson. This book offers a great overview of quantitative and qualitative research. It allowed me to understand the differences and similarities between the two approaches and when each style is more appropriate. It focused on how to conduct and evaluate research studies. |
Clausing, C. (2012). Fire and emergency services instructor (8th ed.) (L. Snyder, Ed.). Stillwater, Okla.: Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University. This is a must have for all adult educators in the fire service. It covers a variety of methods that are geared towards the fire service. It has helped me develop skill for preparing and presenting trainings. It also provides vital information necessary to complete the JPRs of NFPA 1041 for instructor levels I - III. |
Thiel, A. & Jennings, C. (Eds) (2012). Managing Fire and Emergency Services, Washington DC: International City/Management Association. This is a large text that focuses towards the administrative side of the fire service. It reflects the transition of traditional fire service agencies to multihazard emergency service organizations. It is organized into the following four parts:
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Viscuso, F. (2013). Step up and lead. Tulsa, Okla.:
PennWell.