Slow Light: When Yesterday Hijacks Today

Ever wondered what life would feel like if your eyes buffered reality the way old dial-up modems buffered videos? Slow Light, the stop-motion stunner from Warsaw animation duo Kijek/Adamski, answers that question with style. It’s nameless hero sees everything on a seven-year delay—kindergarten birthday candles flare up during his first kiss, a forgotten snowball fight snows over a job interview, and so on. Yesterday isn’t lurking in the background; it’s live-streaming right on top of today.

The filmmakers crank up the disorientation to eleven with hand-cut paper sets awash in neon paint. Every frame feels like a pop-up book crossed with a fever dream. Their mini behind-the-scenes reel on Vimeo is a crash course in low-tech wizardry; it’s a reminder that big ideas don’t need Hollywood budgets, just relentless creativity (and a mountain of X-Acto blades).


Turning Slow Light into Authentic Learning

Below are four ways to let this short brain-bender spark real-world, student-centered work. Mix and match, or allow students to design their path.

LensAuthentic TaskReal-World ConnectionGraduate Profile Tie-In
Physics & NeuroscienceRemix the film’s handmade aesthetic in 3D: scan paper sets into Blender and add interactive hotspots that reveal “past vs. present” layers when clicked.Partner with a local optometrist or university lab for feedback; publish explainer videos debunking vision myths.Innovative Problem Solver, Effective Communicator
Media Literacy & StorytellingAnalyze how stop-motion’s frame-by-frame illusion mimics the film’s time-lag theme. Teams storyboard their own short that visualizes a cognitive quirk (e.g., déjà vu, false memories).Submit films to a youth animation festival or stream them during a community movie night.Creative Producer, Productive Collaborator
SEL & PsychologyUse the protagonist’s delayed perception as a metaphor: How do past experiences color present choices? Students craft personal “slow light” journals, then design advisory lessons to help younger peers understand trauma and resilience.Collaborate with school counselors to run peer-led workshops on growth mindset and coping strategies.Empathetic Citizen, Reflective Learner
Design Thinking & TechRemix the film’s handmade aesthetic in 3-D: scan paper sets into Blender, add interactive hotspots that reveal “past vs. present” layers when clicked.Publish the interactive scene on the class website; invite feedback from professional animators via Zoom.Digitally Fluent Innovator, Self-Directed Navigator

Ready-Made Reflection Prompt

If your own vision carried a seven-year delay, which past moments would you be doomed (or delighted) to relive—and how might that reshape who you are today?

Let students answer in whatever medium they choose—audio diary, comic strip, data viz—then host a gallery walk to surface common themes of perception, bias, and memory.


Bottom line: Slow Light isn’t just artsy eye candy. In the right hands (read: your classroom), it becomes a launchpad for interdisciplinary inquiry, hands-on making, and soul-searching reflection—all hallmarks of authentic learning that sticks long after the credits roll.

h/t to kottke.org



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The Top 7 Professional Development Books for Teachers

In the ever-evolving education landscape, continuous professional development is crucial for teachers striving to enhance their skills and improve student outcomes. As educators, we are always seeking resources that can inspire and guide us through the challenges of modern teaching. Professional development books are an invaluable asset, offering insights, strategies, and perspectives that can transform our teaching practices and reinvigorate our passion for education.

In this blog post, we highlight seven must-read professional development books that every teacher should consider adding to their reading list. From understanding the power of vulnerability to implementing equitable grading practices, these books cover various topics designed to support and empower educators. Whether you are looking to foster a more inclusive classroom, engage students through culturally responsive teaching, or explore innovative educational practices, these books provide practical advice and inspiration.

Each book in this list has been carefully selected for its relevance, impact, and ability to address current educational challenges. We delve into the key takeaways and reasons why these books are essential reads for teachers committed to professional growth and student success. So, grab a cup of coffee, find a comfortable spot, and get ready to explore some transformative reads that will enrich your teaching journey.

Professional Development Books for Teachers
Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com

1. “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown

Sale
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
  • Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
  • Hardcover Book
  • Brown, Brené (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 304 Pages – 09/11/2012 (Publication Date) – Avery (Publisher)
  • Overview: Brené Brown explores the concept of vulnerability, challenging the idea that it is a weakness. She argues that vulnerability is a path to courage, engagement, and meaningful connections.
  • Key Takeaways: Understanding and embracing vulnerability can transform teaching practices and classroom management, fostering a more engaging and empathetic learning environment.
  • Reasons to Read: This book helps teachers develop stronger relationships with their students and colleagues by promoting authenticity and courage in the classroom

2. “Street Data” by Shane Safir and Jamil Dugan

Street Data: A Next-Generation Model for Equity, Pedagogy, and School Transformation
  • Safir, Shane (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 282 Pages – 03/09/2021 (Publication Date) – Corwin (Publisher)
  • Overview: Shane Safir and Jamil Dugan propose a new approach to data usage in education, focusing on qualitative data that captures student experiences and voices.
  • Key Takeaways: The authors provide a framework for using “street data” to create more equitable and responsive educational practices.
  • Reasons to Read: This book is valuable for educators and administrators seeking to transform their schools by centering student voices and experiences in their data practices​

3. “The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation” by Elena Aguilar

The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation
  • Aguilar, Elena (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 368 Pages – 03/04/2013 (Publication Date) – Jossey-Bass (Publisher)
  • Overview: Targeting instructional coaches and leaders, this professional development book offers insights into emotional intelligence and collaboration.
  • Why Buy: If you’re in a leadership role, this book will equip you with the tools for transformative education.

4. “The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education” by Tom Vander Ark, Emily Liebtag, and Nate McClennen

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The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education
  • Vander Ark, Tom (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 150 Pages – 03/09/2020 (Publication Date) – ASCD (Publisher)
  • Overview: This book explores place-based education, where learning is deeply connected to the local environment and community.
  • Key Takeaways: The authors provide examples and strategies for integrating place-based learning into the curriculum, making education more relevant and engaging.
  • Reasons to Read: Teachers interested in making learning more meaningful and connected to students’ lives will find this book a valuable resource for implementing place-based education​

5. “For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood… and the Rest of Y’all Too” by Christopher Emdin

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For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood… and the Rest of Y’all Too: Reality Pedagogy and Urban Education (Race, Education, and Democracy)
  • Emdin, Christopher (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 232 Pages – 01/03/2017 (Publication Date) – Beacon Press (Publisher)
  • Overview: Christopher Emdin shares his experiences and insights on teaching in urban schools, offering practical advice for educators working in diverse settings.
  • Key Takeaways: The book emphasizes the importance of cultural competence and reality pedagogy in engaging and supporting all students.
  • Reasons to Read: Educators will benefit from Emdin’s strategies for creating more inclusive and effective learning environments in urban schools​

6. “Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain” by Zaretta Hammond

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Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
  • Hammond, Zaretta L. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 192 Pages – 12/01/2014 (Publication Date) – Corwin (Publisher)
  • Overview: Zaretta Hammond combines neuroscience and culturally responsive teaching to offer strategies that enhance student engagement and achievement.
  • Key Takeaways: The book includes ten key moves for teachers to make in diverse classrooms, helping students connect and thrive.
  • Reasons to Read: This book is essential for educators who want to understand and implement culturally responsive teaching practices, improving educational outcomes for all students​

7.“Grading for Equity” by Joe Feldman

Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms
  • Feldman, Joe (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 344 Pages – 09/20/2023 (Publication Date) – Corwin (Publisher)
  • Overview: Joe Feldman addresses the inconsistencies and biases in traditional grading systems and offers strategies for more equitable assessment practices.
  • Key Takeaways: The book provides practical ideas for creating grading systems that promote fairness and support student learning and growth.
  • Reasons to Read: Educators looking to reform their grading practices will find valuable insights on how to implement equitable assessments that benefit all students

Conclusion

The world of education is ever-changing, and professional development books for teachers are essential tools to navigate this dynamic landscape. These top 7 professional development books for teachers offer diverse insights and strategies to cater to different needs and teaching styles. Whether you’re looking to inspire, innovate, or introspect, there’s a book on this list for you. Invest in your professional growth today with these exceptional reads. Happy teaching!



The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!