Alexandra Patterson
Librarian. Teacher. Scholar.
About
Alexandra holds a Master’s in Library and Information Science from UNC Chapel Hill and is currently completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Johns Hopkins University (expected graduation 2023). She is passionate about the science of learning and ensuring equity in education.
Alexandra currently manages a staff of five as the Director of Library Services at a boarding school. She teaches in the English department, coordinates the affinity spaces, leads the LGBT+ affinity space, lives in dorm as a dorm parent and co-directs the community reading program.
In all her work, Alexandra is passionate about community. She’s revamped the summer reading program to become a community reading experience, been a part of the 9th grade team teaching program, and led the 10th grade team teaching program through its pilot year.
Originally from Kentucky, she studied at Kenyon College and the University of Exeter during undergrad, and is now based in Pennsylvania. She loves books, yoga, and wine.
Conference presentations
NEAISL 2023
Beyond the Library: Turning Summer Reading into Community Reading
Presented with Michele Poacelli
TABS 2021 (slides)
Queering the Conversation: Equity, Inclusion and the LGBTQIA+ Experience in 2021
Presented with Leela Woody
NCTE 2019 (slides)
“Choose Your Own Lit-Venture”
Presented with Michele Poacelli
Get in touch
Alexandra is always available for side collaborations and relishes the opportunity to talk to others about educational leadership, librarianship, and queerness in academia. If you want to chat about independent schools, books, wine, or anything else, don’t hesitate in reaching out.
Writing
Navigating Nuance: Positionality’s
Effect on Literacy
Witnessing a Conversation 50 Years in the Making
Mercersburg Academy Magazine
Winter 2020
A Sense of Belonging, Safety, and Support
Mercersburg Academy Magazine
Winter 2022
Book Review: Sometimes We Tell the Truth
School Library Journal
October 2016
Teachers Become Students as BU Hosts Institute to Address Adolescent Well-Being
BU Today
July 2022
The Library of Alexandra 