Confession of a First Grade Teacher

I have a confession to make.  I have debated about sharing it, and I won't share all of the details, but I'm going to give you an abbreviated version.

I had a very difficult school year.  I have taught for more than ten years, and this was hands down the hardest.  In fact, I rarely blogged because I became so demoralized and frustrated that I thought I didn't have anything worth sharing. 

This summer, I'm starting over.  I am sure that you have noticed that my recent posts (now that I'm out of school) have had an overwhelming classroom management theme.  I have found that everything that I had learned in ten plus years did not help me in my challenges of this school year:  mainly behavior.  Let's just say that I had a combination of very strong personalities that did not mesh well.  At all.  Not even a little.  Because of this, I burned out earlier then usual.

When I was growing up, my cousins and I loved to play "let's pretend....".  So, let's pretend that I am a first year teacher.  I'm looking toward my first year of teaching.  What types of resources and professional reads should I get to prepare myself for my "first" year?

I just bought this book:

I have to say, it has already really made me think.  It has made me consider what behavior theory that I most fall in line with, and what I believe in. 

A few days ago, I posted about the book, Not in My Classroom.  This was a good book, but most of the information was geared toward high school teachers. 

My question to you wonderful, smart teachers (and I REALLY need your answers for the sake of my sanity next year), what is your go to professional read?  What book has helped you the most as a teacher in your classroom?  Remember, I am a "first" year teacher!

Happy Sunday!