Homegrown maths leaders to help shape statewide learning

THE Victorian government has tasked two local mathematics teachers with inspiring a love of numbers and boosting maths confidence in classrooms across the state.

Patrick Kennedy from Our Lady Star of the Sea in Ocean Grove and Stephanie Nitschke from Nazareth Catholic Primary School in Grovedale have been appointment the state’s first Maths Ambassadors, alongside two of their Melbourne-based peers.

“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,” Education Minister Ben Carroll said.

The ambassadors will work to foster greater engagement with mathematics, develop strategies to connect different student learning styles and interests with the subject, and equip families with tools and resources to support their child’s studies at home.

With a Masters degree in wellbeing, Mr Kennedy’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.

“Every student deserves a high-quality structured mathematics education, and every teacher deserves support to deliver this with confidence and consistency,” he said.

“My passion lies in leading this change. I am honoured to continue this work as a Victorian Mathematics Ambassador, driving forward a shared vision for excellence in mathematics education across Victoria.”

He is set to play a role in addressing mathematics anxiety, while Ms Nitschke will focus on inspiring and motivating both students and practitioners to pursue their educational and professional goals.

“I love fostering a genuine interest in how mathematics can be used to describe the world around us,” Ms Nitschke said.

“I want students to see math as a dynamic, creative field.

“My personal passion for the subject has always driven me to not just teach students, but to empower other educators to teach mathematics more effectively and confidently.”

Both Mr Kennedy and Ms Nitschke bring more than 10 years’ teaching experience to their new roles, which will continue through 2026.

The appointments are part of a broader effort to boost numeracy across the state, with $46 million allocated in this year’s budget to improving mathematics skills, including funding for a new early screening tool to help teachers identify students in need of extra support.