Amid demands to publish, never-ending research projects, classes filled to capacity, and endless papers to grade, it can be easy to forget why you decided to become a teacher in the first place. Meeting goals for learning objectives and assessments can make teaching seem routine instead of inspiring. When it seems like you’ve become so mired in the daily drudgery of powerpoints and handouts that you’ve forgotten that you are there to make a connection with the students, there are some great inspirational books that can help you re-connect with the ideals that started you on your path towards becoming a teacher.

1. Why I Teach: Inspirational True Stories from Teachers Who Make a Difference

These real-life stories will give teachers a boost at the end of a long, hard day at work, or in those down times when they start second-guessing the work they’re doing. These stories will share real-life successes, breakthroughs and lessons learned. There are even ideas for activities that can be used in class to help connect with students and inspire them.

2. The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life

Parker Palmer’s moving classic explores the passion and call to teaching that most educators share. According to the introduction, “It is for teachers who refuse to harden their hearts, because they love learners, learning, and the teaching life.” Palmer shares his own struggles and triumphs with teaching, and he explores teaching as a spiritual venture. The book includes a bonus audio CD of a conversation between Palmer and colleagues about what they have learned through interviews with thousands of educators for the book.

3. Mentors, Masters and Mrs. MacGregor: Stories of Teachers Making a Difference

These stories are written from the perspective of students and former students about the teachers and mentors who made a difference in their lives. The collection includes contributions from Dave Barry, Shari Lewis, Steve Allen, Joe Paterno, and more.

4. Not Quite Burned Out, but Crispy Around the Edges

Remember your first week of teaching? That nervousness, excitement and overall sense of exhaustion by the end of it all? Sharon M. Draper, the 1997 Teacher of the Year and a motivational speaker, explores those experiences through this collection of entertaining and inspiring tales and essays. Read this book and remember the way you felt when you started — and re-discover your inspiration.

5. Apples and Chalkdust

This volume features short stories of two pages each with an inspirational quote or scripture passage to set the tone for each. One reader gave this feedabck: “After 30 years in teaching, I must say that I have experienced most of the lessons about which Ms. Carvana writes. It is a fast read, yet a guide that each teacher should have on his or her desk to refer to often. It was truly inspirational and enjoyable!”

6. Teacher, You Have My Heart

This devotional for teachers is written from the point of view of a parent instructing teachers on the special duty they have to connect with and instruct children. Getting another perspective is one of the best ways to step back from your own problems and worries and understand your motivation.

7. 365 Meditations for Teachers

There is a meditation here for every day of the year, enough to keep giving you reassurance, guidance and inspiration to keep going through even the hardest teaching days. And with so many meditations to choose from, there are enough to look at multiple times and still gain new insights over time.

8. Celebrate Teachers: Heartwarming Stories, Inspirational Sayings, and Meaningful Expressions for Teachers

The “Celebrate” series sets its sights on teaching with this volume, which includes encouraging true stories and inspiring quotes. There are also practical tips and advice for everyday activities.

9. Listen Up, Teacher! You are Making a Difference!

Written from the perspective of a student, this books lays out 10 important characteristics that teachers should have in order to make a difference in the classroom. Companion materials are also available for training sessions. This could be used for refresher workshops in your school to re-focus your department.

10. Inspire for Teachers: Prayers, Promises, and Proverbs for Those Who Change Lives and Touch Hearts

This book draws on faith and religious belief to offer inspiration to teachers. Prayers and scriptural passages are used to offer encouragement and provide divine inspiration for teachers.