Jill Bellomy serves 2,100 students and a staff of 200 across Highland Park Middle School and McCulloch Intermediate School as the librarian for both campuses. In her role, Bellomy has the opportunity to share her passion for books with Every Student, Every Day. As the immediate past chair of the Texas Association of School Librarians, her reach to influence lifelong learning continues to grow and schools across the state are able to benefit from her knowledge, passion and energy.
When 2021-22 HPMS Principal Dr. Chris Miller was asked how Bellomy serves the campus, he responded, “Her passion for learning through books is contagious to our students and staff. It has been said that in the non-stop tsunami of global information, librarians provide us with floats and teach us to swim.”
Bellomy is passionate about literacy and how it can truly transform lives. Having been a classroom teacher for 10 years before becoming a librarian, she recognizes how critical it is to foster a love of learning at a young age. “It is the time to help students who struggle with reading and guide them to books that would engage them.” Said Bellomy, “Helping them see themselves as lifelong readers.”
When asked how Bellomy would describe her teaching style, she responded by saying, “I strive to build positive relationships and build trust with our students and faculty. I try to provide a welcoming and safe environment in the library where both students and teachers can enjoy visiting.” Her ability to inspire curiosity in students to seek new and exciting literary learning experiences has defined her as this year’s HPMS Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations to Jill Bellomy for being named the 2022-23 Highland Park Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Click here to view Jill Bellomy's Teacher of the Year video.