Author Archives

Jessica Fitzpatrick is a high school librarian in Houston and is in her tenth year of education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Houston and a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of North Texas. She is a 2022 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, 2022 TLA MVP, an AASL Inspire Special Event Grant recipient, 2022 YALSA's MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens, the 2022 TLA Branding Award Winner for Reading Program, the 2020 TLA Branding Award Winner for Community Engagement, YALS article contributor, and on the TAYSHAS Reading Committee. She enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her two daughters and husband. You can follow her on Instagram at @librarian_fitz and on Twitter at @librarianfitz .

• Top 10 New Non-Fiction Must-Read Books for High School Students

  By Jessica Fitzpatrick on 05/26/2023 • ( 0 )

  

  Reading has always been a vital part of life, but for teens it can be especially beneficial. Nonfiction books can provide teens with the opportunity to learn more about the world around them. They can be an excellent way for… Read More ›

• School Library Outreach Programs

  By Jessica Fitzpatrick on 04/20/2023 • ( 0 )

  School libraries have long been a staple of the educational system, providing learners and faculty members access to a wide range of books and resources. They are also a hub of community outreach, serving as a shared gathering space for… Read More ›

• Social Media: The New Professional Development

  By Jessica Fitzpatrick on 03/13/2023 • ( 2 )

  There is one thing that has drastically changed for me over the past ten years of being in education, and that is social media. Growing up social media for me was coding a cool background on Myspace which then evolved… Read More ›

• STEM, Art, SEL, and Literacy: A Perfect Match for Learners

  By Jessica Fitzpatrick on 01/24/2023 • ( 2 )

  

  One of my favorite things to do as a school librarian is to find ways to combine STEM, art, SEL, and literacy. From an educator’s point of view, learners are constantly engaged with STEM and Art projects. STEM and Art… Read More ›

• Collaborations Outside the Box 

  By Jessica Fitzpatrick on 11/22/2022 • ( 1 )

  

  Often when people think of collaborations with the school library, English and Social Studies are the first subjects to come to mind. So much of the English and Social Studies curriculum is based around literacy and research making the school… Read More ›

• Graphic Novels to Pair with Social Studies Lessons

  By Jessica Fitzpatrick on 10/21/2022 • ( 3 )

  I am a huge fan of graphic novels, especially when it comes to instruction. As a school librarian, I love finding new ways to collaborate with teachers and one way that teachers love to utilize me is when they ask… Read More ›

• Creating Lasting Connections with Teachers on your Campus

  By Jessica Fitzpatrick on 09/22/2022 • ( 0 )

  

  So much of being a school librarian is collaborating. As a school librarian, you collaborate with other school libraries, administration, and teachers. Since the school library is the heart of every school, it is vital to build relationships with everyone… Read More ›

• Different types of SEL Activities to Build School Library Culture

  By Jessica Fitzpatrick on 08/31/2022 • ( 1 )

  

  School libraries are often a refuge for learners who feel overwhelmed, need a safe space, or just want somewhere to go. At the start of the school year many are feeling stress and anxiety about the unknown of what the… Read More ›