Ten Substack Publications I Keep Coming Back To
What I Read and Why It Matters for Librarians and Educators
NotebookLM Deep Dive
I have always believed that one of the most useful habits for any educator or librarian is to pay attention to what people are reading. Early in my career I learned a simple trick. If you find someone on social media who consistently teaches you something, take a look at who they follow and learn from. It is an easy way to broaden your perspective and stay grounded in thoughtful voices.
This week I am sharing ten Substack publications that have become essential reading for me. These writers help me think more clearly about information literacy, public education, AI, technology, and the future of our work. Each brings a distinct lens and each challenges me to stay curious.
The End(s) of Arguments
By Mike Caulfield
Mike Caulfield created the SIFT method, which is one of the most widely used approaches to teaching information literacy. His current writing examines how we need to rethink information literacy in an AI shaped world. He is practical and clear and he always finds a way to explain complex issues in ways that help educators adjust their practice. This publication is a must read for librarians and teachers who care about truth, context, and civic responsibility.
Engaging and Empowering School Libraries
By Elizabeth Hutchinson
Elizabeth is a UK based trainer and advisor for school libraries. She has been writing about AI and its role in school libraries for quite a while. Her perspective is grounded in real practice. Her weekly “three thoughts” posts always leave me with something useful to try or reflect on. She is also simply a generous colleague. I learn something every time I read her work.
The Education Report
By Andy Spears, PhD
Andy is a policy advocate and writer with deep experience in public school funding. His newsletter is focused on defending public education and helping readers understand what is happening across states and districts. At a time when so much misinformation circulates about public schools, his clear explanations help educators stay informed and aware.
Letters From an American
By Heather Cox Richardson
Heather is one of my favorite writers. I start most mornings by reading her daily recap. She provides a straightforward account of the news and connects it to historical context in a way that is unmatched. Her work helps readers understand not only what is unfolding today, but also how it fits into the longer story of American democracy. She is a historian and an important voice in today’s conversation about civic life.
Curmudgucation
By Peter Greene
Peter Greene has spent years writing about public education and teacher policy. He also writes for Forbes and brings the perspective of a retired educator who lived the work, not just the theory. He explains complicated policy issues with clarity and honesty. I have been reading him for years and continue to rely on his voice to understand national trends.
The Important Work
By Jane Rosenzweig and contributing writers
Jane is the Director of the Harvard College Writing Center. This publication offers weekly reflections on writing in the age of AI. Each post features a different writer, sometimes a student and sometimes a writing instructor. The range of perspectives is one of the strengths of the newsletter. I always walk away thinking about writing practice in a new way.
Blood in the Machine
By Brian Merchant
Brian is a tech journalist and author of Blood in the Machine, the book that gives this newsletter its name. He covers AI, technology, and the social impact of both. His work is especially useful for educators who want to understand how technology shapes labor, culture, and power. It provides a broader context for the tools many of us use every day.
Learning on Purpose
By Eric Hudson
Eric Hudson is a consultant who has spent many years studying instructional design. His title captures two ideas that resonate with me. Learning requires purpose and educators thrive when they work with intention. His newsletter connects research, practical insight, and field observations in a way that consistently supports teachers and librarians. He shares what he sees in schools and offers clear strategies for connecting theory to practice.
Smarter News Literacy in an AI World
By Dr. Cathy Collins
Cathy Collins is a nationally recognized school librarian who brings deep expertise to the intersection of news literacy and artificial intelligence. Her newsletter provides practical strategies and current resources that help educators guide students through today’s complex information environment. It is a valuable resource for anyone teaching research, digital citizenship, or media literacy. I learn a great deal from every edition.
One Useful Thing
By Ethan Mollick
Ethan Mollick is a professor at the Wharton School who studies entrepreneurship, innovation, and AI. He writes about what our AI shaped era means for education and work. His posts blend research with practical application and always push me to think more critically about how AI is changing our professional landscape.
Curating your reading life is one of the simplest ways to grow as an educator. These ten publications challenge me, teach me, and open new questions every week. I hope they do the same for you.
If you read any of these already, or if you have others to recommend, I would love to hear from you.
Paywall Preview
One of the most reliable habits I have developed as a librarian is to pay close attention to the thinkers who consistently teach me something. It is a simple idea. If you trust someone’s judgment and learn from their work, then it is worth noticing who they read and who they follow. This practice helps you build a reading life that is intentional rather than accidental.
Librarians guide students and teachers every day. We help them sort credible voices from the noise. It is important that we do the same for ourselves.
Today’s paid subscribers area takes a closer look at why this matters and how you can build a thoughtful, sustainable set of influences in a time when information moves quickly, and AI amplifies everything.
