November 21, 2025

8 Essential Books for Higher Education Professors Teaching the Science of Reading

Teaching the Teachers: Why These Books Matter

Preparing the next generation of educators means shaping how children across the country will learn to read. The science of reading has evolved, and so should teacher preparation.

These eight books are my go-to recommendations for higher education instructors who want to align their syllabi, lectures, and fieldwork with the most current research on literacy instruction and learning science.

Each title below includes an affiliate link. If you decide to purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!

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**1. Explicit Instruction by Anita Archer and Charles Hughes**

Cover of Explicit Instruction by Anita Archer and Charles Hughes, a foundational book on effective, research-based teaching practices across all grade levels and subjects.

If you only buy one book from this list, make it this one. It’s the cornerstone of effective teaching in every content area and grade level.

Archer and Hughes clearly outline how to model, scaffold, and engage students through structured, research-based lessons that actually work. This book belongs in every teacher preparation syllabus.

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**2. Strive for Five Conversations by Zucker & Cabell**

Cover of Strive for Five Conversations by Zucker and Cabell, a colorful guide to extending student conversations and building oral language skills in early childhood classrooms.

A bright, accessible guide to building oral language in early childhood classrooms. This book gives educators practical tools to extend and enrich student conversations.

It’s perfect for preschool and primary literacy courses. It’s colorful, visual, and immediately classroom-ready.

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3. Courageous Conversations in the Classroom by Lauren Aimonette Liang PhD, Karen W Tao PhD, and Michelle K Hosp PhD

Cover of Courageous Conversations by Liang, Tao, and Hosp, a resource for using children’s literature to foster empathy, social-emotional growth, and classroom dialogue.

A powerful addition to children’s literature or social-emotional learning coursework, this book shows how to use children’s books to guide discussions around mental health, empathy, and identity.

It’s an excellent fit for schools implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) or supporting social-emotional development.

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**4. Language for Life (2nd Edition) by Lyn Stone**

Cover of Language for Life, Second Edition by Lyn Stone, a practical guide to teaching morphology, syntax, and grammar for deeper reading and writing instruction.

Think of this as Speech to Print’s practical cousin. Stone brings clarity and accessibility to the layers of language (morphology, syntax, and etymology) that underlie skilled reading.

You’ll find both deep linguistic insights and ready-to-use routines for teacher candidates.

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**5. Reach All Readers by Anna Geiger**

Cover of Reach All Readers by Anna Geiger, a practical book bridging research and classroom practice to support educators in evidence-based reading instruction.

Written to bridge research and classroom practice, this book helps teacher candidates connect theory to real instructional decisions.

It’s also ideal for school leaders and coaches working to strengthen district-wide literacy practices.

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**6. Fundamentals of Literacy Instruction and Assessment (PreK–6) by Hougen & Smartt**

Cover of Fundamentals of Literacy Instruction and Assessment (PreK–6) by Hougen and Smartt, a comprehensive textbook for teacher preparation programs focused on assessment and structured literacy.

This is a comprehensive text for teacher prep programs, with chapters from leading researchers.

It covers assessment, foundational literacy skills, and instructional design, plus free companion materials for professors. Choose this as a reliable anchor text for multiple courses.

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**7. Teaching Reading Sourcebook (3rd Edition) by Diamond, Gutlohn & Honig**

Cover of Teaching Reading Sourcebook, Third Edition by Diamond, Gutlohn, and Honig, a widely used guide detailing what and how to teach reading with explicit instructional routines.

It’s a classic for a reason. This resource covers what to teach, how to teach it, and why it matters.

It’s packed with explicit instructional routines and clear examples. I also teach an online course dedicated to helping professors use this text in their own syllabi.

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**8. Reading Assessment: Linking Data to Instruction by Stephanie Stollar & Kate Winn**

Cover of Reading Assessment Done Right: Tools and Techniques for Data-Driven Instruction by Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn, a forthcoming guide connecting reading assessment to intervention within an MTSS framework.

This upcoming book fills a long-standing gap in teacher preparation: connecting assessment to intervention within an MTSS framework.

With chapters on screening, diagnostics, progress monitoring, and system-level design, it’s the perfect companion for your diagnostic or remedial reading courses.

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Final Thoughts

Updating your reading list doesn’t have to mean starting over. Even one new book can spark a meaningful change in how you prepare educators, and, by extension, how thousands of children learn to read.

Find more resources, free downloads, and higher ed supports at stephaniestollar.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best book for higher education professors teaching literacy?
Explicit Instruction by Archer & Hughes is my top choice for any educator training future teachers.

Which book covers reading assessment for MTSS?
Stephanie Stollar and Kate Winn’s Reading Assessment (coming soon) bridges research and application for assessment-driven instruction.

Are these books suitable for pre-service teachers?
Yes. Each book includes classroom-ready strategies and real-world examples that work for early career educators.

Can these texts support curriculum redesign?
Absolutely. Titles like Fundamentals of Literacy Instruction and Assessment and Teaching Reading Sourcebook align perfectly with program-wide updates.

Where can I get more resources for higher ed literacy instruction?
Visit Stephanie Stollar’s Higher Ed Resource Library for free syllabi, templates, and guides.

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