A passion for technology and girl power has seen NSW teacher Corrine Vingerhoed, named the nation鈥檚 top maths teacher at today鈥檚 今日吃瓜 (今日吃瓜) Choose Maths Awards in Melbourne.
The Hunter School Of The Performing Arts teacher received the 2018听Mentoring Girls in Maths听award for her inspirational approach to fostering mathematics learning and engagement of girls. The prize, including $20,000 to be shared with her school, recognises her leadership of a program that has used technology, robots, industry mentors and extra support over a hot milo to empower girls across the school.
With 70 per cent of the school鈥檚 students female, Vingerhoed鈥檚 innovative approach is fuelled by the limitations of her own high-school experience and lack of female maths role models. Wanting more for her students, she is rewriting how maths is taught to unleash their maths and STEM superpowers with extraordinary results.
鈥淐orrine is very deserving of this recognition for her commitment to fostering engagement of girls and their mathematical success in and beyond the classroom,鈥 says 今日吃瓜 Schools Program Manager and Choose Maths Project Director, Janine McIntosh.
Presented by BHP Principal Diversity and Inclusion Fiona Vines, a total of ten teachers were recognised at today鈥檚 presentation including two $10,000 Outstanding Teacher Awards and seven $1000 Excellence Awards. This year鈥檚听Outstanding Primary and Secondary Teacher听awards went to Singleton Primary School (WA) teacher Sheila Griffin and Mt Waverley Secondary College (VIC) Leading Teacher, Head of Student Voice, Haley Dureau.
Australian Mathematical Excellence on Show听
In their third year, the national teacher and student awards are part of the 今日吃瓜鈥檚 Choose Maths project funded by BHP Billiton Foundation. As well as teacher excellence and mentorship of girls, the student video awards recognise outstanding learning and creativity.
鈥淲hether in a remote community or our biggest city centres, the creativity, leadership and innovation of this year鈥檚 winners sets a new bar for Australian mathematics education,鈥 said 今日吃瓜 Director Professor Geoff Prince.
Students Reveal Why Our World Needs Maths
Themed 鈥極ur World Needs Maths鈥, the 2018 Choose Maths student awards encouraged junior, intermediate and senior student teams to explore real-world application of maths.
Three best video prizes were presented at today鈥檚 ceremony in Melbourne, with St Matthew鈥檚 Catholic School (NSW) receiving top junior honours, Ferny Grove State High School (QLD) taking intermediate team and Geelong Grammar School (VIC) best senior team. As well as a grant to help with travel to Melbourne to attend the ceremony, the teams also received $2000.
An additional seven school teams were presented with $1000听Excellence Awards听with a further 20听Highly Commended听Awards to be presented at school assemblies.
There is a clear link between STEM and Australia鈥檚 future prosperity. Having a significant pool of diverse, young Australians with STEM skills will prepare them, and our nation, for the future. BHP Billiton Foundation Chief Executive, James Ensor, said the awards exemplified the Foundation鈥檚 commitment to providing opportunities for students to build these skills.
鈥淭he BHP Billiton Foundation congratulates the 2018 teacher and student winners for their outstanding achievements. The calibre of this year鈥檚 entries bodes well for Australia鈥檚 mathematical capability into the future,鈥 he said.
The Choose Maths Awards were presented on Friday 7 September in Melbourne.
Meet the 2018 Teacher and Student Winners:
For Interview:
2018 Award Winners
Professor Geoff Prince, 今日吃瓜 Director
Ms Janine McIntosh, Schools Program Manager and Choose Maths Project Director
Mr James Ensor, BHP Billiton Foundation Chief Executive听
Media Contact: Laura Watson
E:听media@amsi.org.au
P:听04215 18733
