The Victorian Government is providing support for more primary school teachers to become mathematics specialists.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll this week announced a further 100 government school teachers will become mathematics education specialists through the Primary Mathematics and Science Specialists (PMSS) initiative.
The more than $20 million initiative is part of the Victorian Government’s plan to deliver teaching excellence in maths and science and will ensure more students excel in both subjects.
“Mathematics is a vital skill and we’re ensuring students are taught by the best maths teachers so they can achieve their full potential at school and in life,” Mr Carroll said.
“We’re making sure more schools have access to maths specialists – ensuring that more kids can get the best education and develop a passion for mathematics.”
The teachers will be trained over the next two years – giving them expert knowledge and skills to teach and assess mathematics.
They’ll use the skills to boost primary students’ engagement and achievement in mathematics – an underpinning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Evaluations of previous PMSS cohorts show the training of teachers as specialists results in student achievement going up at all year levels in mathematics and science.
Teachers reported training was more consistent, integrated and effective, leading to improved results in the classroom.
PMSS is ensuring more Victorian primary school students benefit from having STEM leaders in their schools to provide them with the skills needed for the jobs of the future.
The next 100 teachers to become maths specialists will follow in the footsteps of the 800 teachers from 430 schools who have already completed the training and are now leaders in STEM knowledge and delivery within their schools.
A similar program in NSW is bridging the gap between the supply and demand for qualified maths teachers.
