The ACT Government is hiring more qualified teacher librarians across the ACT public school system. Qualified teacher librarians support students, classrooms and whole schools by enhancing digital and information literacy and helping students become critical, creative and collaborative thinkers. To date, eight ACT public schools have benefited from this initiative.“We know how important teacher librarians are,” Minister for Education Yvette Berry commented “That’s why we went to the last election with a commitment to increase the availability of qualified teacher librarians in our schools.”
As part of this commitment, we’re also providing additional funding to schools to help them employ a qualified teacher librarian. ACT public school teachers may be eligible for a scholarship to gain a teacher librarian qualification, under the ACT Education Directorate’s Teacher Scholarship Program.Through this program schools may also employ a teacher librarian who is currently studying for their qualification. This provides principals with the opportunity to support a classroom teacher with the right skills to work across the school as a teacher librarian while they study.




“As our city grows, and as the needs of our children and young people evolve, our public schools will continue to rise to meet and exceed those needs,” Minister Berry commented “That can only happen with continued strong investment in public education.The ACT Government remains committed to increasing the number of qualified teacher librarians across our system.”
“Working as a teacher librarian is extremely rewarding. Since starting in the teacher librarian role at Forrest Primary School this year, I have had the opportunity to help many students improve their knowledge and understanding of the world.” Belinda Kowalski, teacher librarian, Forrest Primary School commented “Teacher librarians, with help from other library staff, provide specialist expertise in literature, information literacy and digital literacy, as well as maintaining a current and relevant library collection. School libraries are the heart of a school, and I would encourage anyone interested in becoming a teacher librarian to consider applying.”
A future call for the next round of scholarships will be put out later in 2024.