For her inspirational approach to fostering mathematics learning and the engagement of female students, a NSW teacher was named the nation’s top Maths teacher at the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) Choose Maths Awards, held in Melbourne on Friday 7 September 2018.
Driven by her passion for technology and empowering girls, Hunter Performing Arts School teacher Corrine Vingerhoed, received the 2018 Mentoring Girls in Maths award, which includes a $20,000 prize to be shared with her school.
This award recognises her leadership of a program that has used technology, robots, industry mentors and extra support to empower girls across the school.
With 70 per cent of the school’s students being female, Ms Vingerhoed’s innovative approach is fuelled by the limitations of her own high-school experience and the lack of female Maths role models.
Wanting more for her students, she is changing how Maths is taught at her school, giving students the opportunity to unleash their Maths and STEM superpowers – with extraordinary results.
“Corrine is very deserving of this recognition for her commitment to fostering engagement of girls and their mathematical success in and beyond the classroom,” said Janine McIntosh, AMSI Schools Program Manager and Choose Maths Project Director.
Presented by BHP Principal Diversity and Inclusion, Fiona Vines, a total of ten teachers were recognised at the presentation, including two $10,000 Outstanding Teacher Awards and seven $1000 Excellence Awards.
The 2018 Outstanding Primary and Outstanding Secondary Teacher awards went to Singleton Primary School (WA) teacher, Sheila Griffin and Mt Waverley Secondary College (VIC) Leading Teacher, Head of Student Voice, Haley Dureau.
Now in their third year, the national teacher and student Choose Maths Awards are part of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute’s Choose Maths project funded by the BHP Billiton Foundation.
“The BHP Billiton Foundation congratulates the 2018 teacher and student winners for their outstanding achievements,” said James Ensor, BHP Billiton Foundation Chief Executive. “The calibre of this year’s entries bodes well for Australia’s mathematical capability into the future.”
