<p>Every year the Copyright Agency offers a $15,000 Fellowship to an English/literacy teacher or teacher librarian to undertake professional development in the form of a research project in Australia or overseas.<br />
Here’s what you need to know about the fellowship.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.school-news.com.au/latest-print-issue/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Read the latest print edition of <em>School News</em> HERE</strong></a></p>
<h4>What is the Reading Australia Fellowship?</h4>
<p>The <a href="https://www.copyright.com.au/culturalfund/fellowship/reading-australia-fellowship-for-teachers-of-english-and-literacy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reading Australia Fellowship</a> is a prestigious program designed to support teachers of English and Literacy and teacher librarians undertake a research project that will have widespread benefits to all educators across the country.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.copyright.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Copyright Agency</a> created Reading Australia in 2013 to provide much-need resources for Australian teachers. There are now 275 curriculum-mapped resources on Reading Australia for Years K to12.</p>
<h4>Who can apply?</h4>
<p>The fellowship is open to educators who meet the following criteria:<br />
• A minimum of five years’ teaching experience in Australian schools or libraries.<br />
• Employed in a primary or secondary school at the time of application.<br />
• Australian citizens or permanent residents.</p>
<p>Applications for the 2025 Fellowship will open in early March for projects to start after August 1, 2025.</p>
<h4>Benefits of the Fellowship</h4>
<p>The Reading Australia Fellowship provides:<br />
• Financial support to execute your proposed project.<br />
• Access to networks of educators, authors, and researchers.<br />
• Opportunities to contribute to the growing field of Australian literary studies and education.<br />
• Recognition as a leader in promoting Australian literature.</p>
<figure id="attachment_29552" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29552" style="width: 626px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="wp-image-29552 " src="https://www.school-news.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdobeStock_427310756-1024x569.jpeg" alt="Mature student studying" width="626" height="348" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-29552" class="wp-caption-text">The fellowship is an opportunity to deepen your engagement with Australian literature | Image © insta_photos, Adobe Stock</figcaption></figure>
<h4>How to apply</h4>
<p>You should only consider applying if you already have a clear idea of your intended project, as applications require a detailed project description and budget. Past projects have included:</p>
<p>• The fate of the Australian written voice in the age of AI generated texts (Bridget Foster, 2023).<br />
• Approaches and language used by educators, families and publishers when they engage with literature that includes non-heteronormative relationships and family structures (Jantiena Batt, 2022).<br />
• Developing a toolkit for teachers and teacher librarians to help students to better select books, with a focus on diverse and engaging Australian writing (Edwina West, 2021).<br />
• The connection between the Australian landscape and literature and developing an extensive resource to support English teachers in improving their students’ writing (Karen Yager, 2020).<br />
• Best practice around teaching Indigenous literature in the classroom and developing a greater understanding of the issues, protocols and sensitivities involved (Alex Wharton, 2019).</p>
<p>Along with a project outline, applicants are required to submit a one-page CV outlining their teaching experience; a letter of support from their school; a proposed itinerary and budget; and a letter of support from relevant First Nations individuals or communities (if applicable).</p>
<p>The Fellow will be expected to write a report of between 5000 and 10,000 words and to present their research findings at a teachers’ conferences, as well as more locally to colleagues and peers.</p>
<h4>Tips for a strong application</h4>
<p>• Be specific: Avoid vague goals. Clearly articulate what you plan to do and how you will achieve it.<br />
• Show impact: Highlight how your project will make a difference for educators, students, or the literary community.<br />
• Demonstrate passion: Showcase your enthusiasm for Australian literature and your commitment to fostering its growth.<br />
• Seek feedback: Have a trusted colleague review your application to ensure clarity and coherence.</p>
<h4>Why apply?</h4>
<p>The Reading Australia Fellowship is more than just a grant—it’s an opportunity to deepen your engagement with Australian literature, inspire others, and leave a lasting impact on the way Australian stories are taught, appreciated, and understood.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.copyright.com.au/2019/05/copyright-agency-awards-inaugural-reading-australia-teacher-fellowship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Inaugural winner, Alex Wharton</a> said: “‘The Fellowship has been life changing. Teachers can be reluctant to invest in themselves, but this is an opportunity to pause and invest in your own professional care.”</p>

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