"You are an expert at smartness," a third grader wrote to me a few years ago. Wow. How did she know that's exactly what I want for all teachers and students—to make being smart, and revealing one's "smarts," a top priority? As a teacher, the best way I know how to do this is to remain a learner. Throughout life. Kids pick up on this. If your sense of discovery is alive and well, theirs will be too.

In this video clip, I share with kids my book preferences and my love of reading, and my goal is for you to get a sense of the kinds of positive impacts this has on all we do in the classroom. After you watch it, ask yourself: What are the last books I have read? Am I making time to read professionally and personally? How might I share my own favorite books or other pursuits with students?

An added benefit to remaining a learner: As a professional, keeping up with research and professional journals helps you say no to programs and practices that are questionable—and yes to instructional ideas that do have a solid research base.

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