The first recipients of the 'Teach Local Scholarships' here, aimed to attract Territorians to the teaching profession, have been announced today.Recipients receive a sponsorship of $5,000 per year of their degree, a part time job in an NT Government School while studying, and a guaranteed job in an NT Government School upon completion of their degree.The Finocchiaro CLP Government is committed to keeping and attracting quality teachers in the Territory.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has today announced the first recipients of the Northern Territory Government's 'Teach Local Scholarships'.
Aimed at attracting Territorians to study, live and work in the Territory, the scholarships support Territory locals to complete an initial teacher education degree, with a sponsorship of $5,000 per year over the period of their degree.
While studying, recipients will be offered paid part-time work as a classroom support assistant in a Northern Territory Government (NTG) school, and upon successful completion of their teaching degree, a permanent position in an NTG school.
Of the 2026 successful recipients, there are 3 recipients currently working as Special Education Support Officers at Henbury School (2) and Acacia Hill School (1).
Successful applicants are:
Bianca Shuker - school leaver from 2025 - Darwin RiverCarly Ross - classroom support teacher - Alice SpringsErin McKenzie - classroom support teacher - DarwinHannah Grace - mid career changer - Alice SpringsHoang Quynh Chi Nguyen - school leaver from 2025 - DarwinJenna Gee - recent school leaver in the last 2 years - DarwinLacey O'Brien - classroom support teacher - DarwinMitchell Opie - classroom support teacher - DarwinOlivia Hagan - classroom support teacher - DarwinRachel Sullivan - classroom support teacher - Darwin
Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, reiterated the CLP Government's commitment to keep and attract quality teachers.
"While the rest of the country faces increasing teacher shortages, the last two years we've reduced our teachers' shortages to the lowest it's ever been," Minister Hersey said.
"It's no wonder we're seeing Teachers flock to the Territory; we have the best paid teachers in the country and a lifestyle that doesn't compare to anywhere else.
"Friday you'll be teaching students in the classroom, 24 hours later and you could be splashing in a waterfall in Kakadu, having Laksa for breakfast on the beach, or exploring the West MacDonnell ranges.
"To keep the Territory growing, we need to be able to keep and attract quality teachers into the years ahead, and the best way is to stop talented teachers going south to study and keep them here in the Territory."
There are 15 scholarships available per year, and 15 were offered, however 5 individuals declined due to a change in personal circumstances.
