Heather Rowan is a youth librarian and life-long educator with a passion for early literacy, bridging the middle school reading gap, and STEM integration in public and school libraries. Prior to her transition to public libraries, she was a high school science educator emphasizing hands-on, minds-on learning to the school library. Heather has a background in curriculum development and leadership as physics subject lead at Akins High School, where she led the development of a backwards-designed collaborative curriculum using the SIOP and 5E models. Previously, as biology PLC lead at Stony Point High School and Round Rock ISD curriculum cohort member, she designed Project-Based (PBL) Learning units, developed a district-wide preAP biology curriculum differentiated for gifted and talented students, and trained teachers in web 2.0 classroom strategies. Five years as a school science fair coordinator cemented her conviction that learning occurs through hands-on inquiry and story-telling. The photo above depicts the British Museum reading room, which reflects a combined a love for natural history and literacy. Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Furman University, and, prior to teaching high school, worked as a laboratory technician at Cedra Pharmaceutical. Her research background includes population genetics, field mammology, and botany. She holds a school library certificate, MLIS and graduate certificate in library youth services from the University of North Texas. She maintains involvement in her community as a library ambassador with Austin Public Library. Ongoing research interests in LIS concern reading motivations for young readers and factors affecting literacy in teen boys.
This website is a landing page for my program design, learning and readers’ advisory resources, and permanent reference for the very best tech tools, grant opportunities, and substantial research in the field of library and information sciences. Please continue to philosophy to learn more about my perspective on issues facing school librarians.
The Tinkering Librarian 