For August 2026, Island School is seeking an outstanding Teacher Librarian to lead and develop our library as a vibrant centre for learning, literacy, reading and inquiry.
We are looking for an educator who is passionate about books, reading and learning, and who understands the important role a school library plays in developing curious, informed and independent young people. The successful candidate will work closely with students and teachers to foster a culture of reading, support information and digital literacy, and ensure the library is a dynamic and inspiring learning environment at the heart of the school.
This role combines teaching and library leadership. In addition to leading the library, the successful candidate will teach a reduced timetable, including library-based lessons and, where appropriate, classes aligned to their subject expertise and experience.
You will join an innovative and supportive learning environment, and will teach motivated students who enjoy their learning and are eager to participate in opportunities beyond the curriculum.
The closing date for applications is 19 June 2026 and interviews will be held during the week commencing 15 June 2026.
Key Responsibilities And Requirements
Role Name
Teacher Librarian
Role Summary
To provide strategic leadership of the school library as a centre for literacy, reading, inquiry and independent learning.
The Teacher Librarian will work as both an educator and information specialist, partnering with teachers and students to develop a culture of reading, information literacy, research skills and lifelong learning across the school.
Main Accountabilities
Leadership of reading and literacy:
- Lead and champion a culture of reading for pleasure across the school.
- Develop initiatives that inspire students to become confident, independent and enthusiastic readers.
- Curate diverse and inclusive collections that reflect the interests, identities and experiences of our community.
- Organise and promote author visits, reading events, book clubs and other literary activities.
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of children's and young adult literature, publishing trends and digital resources.
- Promote literature and authors that reflect a wide range of cultures, perspectives and experiences.
Information And Digital Literacy
- Teach information literacy, research skills and critical evaluation of sources.
- Support students to navigate information ethically, responsibly and safely in a digital and AI-rich world.
- Collaborate with teachers to embed information literacy, research skills and digital citizenship across the curriculum.
- Support students in locating, evaluating, synthesising and presenting information effectively.
- Work collaboratively with the Digital Literacies Coordinator and other colleagues to promote effective use of technology to support learning.
- Collaborate with teachers to embed inquiry, information literacy, research skills and digital citizenship across the curriculum.
Teaching And Learning
- Teach an allocated timetable as agreed with the Principal.
- Design and deliver engaging learning experiences that develop literacy, inquiry, critical thinking and independent learning.
- Support the development of inquiry, critical thinking and lifelong learning in alignment with the school's IB programmes and educational philosophy.
- Work collaboratively with teachers to support curriculum delivery and enhance student learning.
- Foster an inclusive, supportive and intellectually challenging learning environment.
- Monitor and evaluate student progress in literacy, research and information literacy skills.
- Support personalised learning opportunities and pathways for students.
Leadership And Management Of The Library
- Provide strategic leadership for the continued development of the library as a dynamic centre for learning, literacy and inquiry.
- Ensure equitable access to high-quality print, digital and multimedia resources.
- Lead the development, management and evaluation of library resources, services and systems.
- Manage the library budget and contribute to long-term planning and improvement.
- Lead and support library staff and student volunteers in delivering an outstanding service.
- Ensure the library is a welcoming, well-organised and stimulating learning environment that serves as a focal point for student learning.
- Coordinate displays, events and activities that promote engagement with reading and learning.
- Contribute actively to the wider life, values and strategic priorities of the school.
Minimum Typical Experience
- Qualified teacher with experience of teaching in a secondary school setting.
- Experience of promoting literacy, reading or inquiry-based learning.
- Experience working with libraries, literacy programmes or information literacy initiatives would be advantageous but is not essential.
Knowledge, Skills And Experience
- Strong understanding of effective teaching, learning and assessment practices in secondary education.
- Understanding of how young people develop as readers and the factors that promote reading for pleasure.
- Knowledge of information literacy, research skills, media literacy and digital citizenship.
- Understanding of inquiry-based learning and approaches that develop critical thinking and independent learning.
- Knowledge of contemporary children's and young adult literature across a diverse range of genres, cultures and perspectives.
- Understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, including AI, in education.
- Knowledge of how libraries, resources and learning spaces can support student learning, wellbeing and belonging.
- Ability to inspire and engage young people as readers, learners and critical thinkers.
- Ability to design and deliver engaging learning experiences that develop literacy, inquiry and research skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers to support curriculum development and student learning.
- Ability to curate, manage and promote physical and digital learning resources.
- Ability to use data and evidence to evaluate impact and inform future improvement.
- Ability to lead projects, initiatives and events that promote literacy, reading and learning across the school.
- Confidence in using technology and digital tools to enhance teaching, learning and library services.
Personal Attributes and Professional Qualities
- A genuine passion for reading, literature and lifelong learning, with the ability to inspire the same enthusiasm in young people.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students, staff and parents.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a commitment to supporting colleagues and contributing to whole-school improvement.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
- Creative, innovative and proactive in identifying opportunities to enhance the student experience.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion and ensuring all students feel represented, valued and supported.
- Reflective and growth-oriented, with a commitment to continuous professional learning.
- Ability to lead change, influence others and bring ideas to life.
For enquiries, please contact Hilary Hu @ 25247135 or Email:
[email protected]Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date. We strongly recommend early applications as we reserve the right to appoint candidates earlier than the closing date.
By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.
ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.
Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.
ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.
In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.
About Us
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.
There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.
www.esf.edu.hk
About The Team
At Island School we do something different. Our focus is on igniting a passion for learning in every student. Teaching students facts and figures is no longer enough for them to succeed once they enter higher education and the workforce. We encourage students to problem solve, question and think creatively with new concepts and ideas. Students are encouraged to become resourceful, adaptable and confident learners.
Our academic record is excellent with students going on to many of the foremost universities and colleges in the world. You will find details of the curriculum and qualifications on offer on our website. In the senior years students can choose to study IB Diploma, IB Careers and BTEC courses. Island School prepares students for these qualifications with a broad-based middle school curriculum including IGCSEs and a wide range of exciting options in our unique Futures curriculum. Our aim is to help students develop a passion for learning in a range of areas, whether it be law or robotics and coding or music production.
https://island.esf.edu.hk
