The Allan Labor Government is building every student's confidence in mathematics, as part of the world-class education provided to every Victorian in the Education State.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced four Victorian Maths Ambassadors who will help nurture a love of maths in the next generation, as well as launching a new Mathematics Position Statement.
The Labor Government has also appointed Eleanor Drayton from Hume Central Secondary College, Emily Glen from Mount Pleasant Road Primary School, Patrick Kennedy from Our Lady Star of the Sea Ocean Grove and Stephanie Nitschke from Nazareth Catholic Primary School Grovedale as the first Victorian Maths Ambassadors.
The ambassadors are passionate about mathematics and exemplify excellence in mathematics teaching across primary and secondary levels.
They will strengthen the connection between the education sector and students in mathematics , create strategies to connect students' interests and learning styles with maths and equip families with tools and resources to support their child's mathematics studies at home. The ambassadors will be in their roles from now until 2026.
While Victorian Year 3 students continue to lead the nation in both reading and numeracy we know there is more work to do in secondary school numeracy.
The Mathematics Position Statement describes how Victorian government schools will make best practice common practice, and embed evidence-based practices aligned with the updated Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0 to support students to excel in mathematics.
Victorian students will be supported through a focus on getting the basics right first - knowing their times tables and excelling at the basic foundations to then apply this through problem solving.
The statement is complemented by ready-to-use mathematics lesson plans, the first of which are now available to all schools. The lesson plans will strengthen students' mathematics and numeracy outcomes by providing schools with high-quality materials to make best practice, common practice across Victorian government schools.
Further information about Victoria's Maths Ambassadors can be found here: www.vic.gov.au/victorian-mathematics-ambassadors
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"Victoria's first Maths Ambassadors are among the most passionate teachers in our state and will support Victorian schools and teachers inspire a love of maths in our students and foster the next generation of maths talent."
"No matter where they live in Victoria, our young people have access to the best public education for free - giving them the best start in life."
Maths Ambassadors
Eleanor Drayton, Hume Central Secondary College
Eleanor is passionate about mathematics teaching and learning and driving improvements in student engagement and outcomes. She does this by making mathematics as a subject come alive. Eleanor believes that everyone has the capacity to feel success when engaging with mathematics and will raise aspirations for mathematics in the secondary context and promote pathways for VCE mathematics, including for girls.
Eleanor has over 10 years' experience teaching with a Master of Education in Professional Practice.
Emily Glen, Mount Pleasant Road Primary School
Emily believes that all learners can succeed in mathematics with the right support and encouragement and all teachers are capable of delivering quality content. She aims to build confidence and inspire innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Emily's work is driven by a belief in fostering curiosity, encouraging challenge, and creating meaningful engagement for all learners. Emily will enhance teacher confidence and capabilities through professional learning offerings and enhance family and community engagement in mathematics.
Emily has over 10 years' experience teaching, with 8 years in leadership.
Patrick Kennedy, Our Lady Star of the Sea Ocean Grove
Patrick believes that every student can develop a strong foundation in mathematics when provided with high-quality instruction tailored to their individual learning needs. Patrick's approach to teaching mathematics is centred on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to develop confidence and proficiency in numeracy. Patrick will enhance student engagement and aspirations and play a role in addressing mathematics anxiety.
Patrick has over 10 years' experience teaching and in a learning specialist role and a Masters degree in Wellbeing.
Stephanie Nitschke, Nazareth Catholic Primary School Grovedale
Stephanie is passionate and enthusiastic about mathematics education, particularly sparking curiosity and excitement in her students. Stephanie finds it rewarding to develop engaging and dynamic lessons that make mathematics both accessible and exciting. She will inspire and motivate students and practitioners to pursue their educational and professional goals.
Stephanie has over 10 years' experience with a Master of Education in Leadership.
