Australia's top maths teacher creating STEM Superheroes

NSW teacher, Corrine Vingerhoed was named the nation’s top maths teacher at the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) Choose Maths Awards in Melbourne.

The Hunter Performing Arts School teacher received the 2018 Mentoring Girls in Maths award for her 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% of the school’s students being female, Vingerhoed’s 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. 

“Corrine is very deserving of this recognition for her commitment to fostering engagement of girls and their mathematical success in and beyond the classroom,” says AMSI Schools Program Manager and Choose Maths Project Director, Janine McIntosh.

Presented by BHP Principal Diversity and Inclusion, Fiona Vines, a total of 10 teachers were recognised at the presentation including two $10,000 Outstanding Teacher Awards and seven $1000 Excellence Awards. This year’s 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. 

Mathematical excellence on show
In their third year, the national teacher and student awards are part of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute’s 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. 

“Whether in a remote community or our biggest city centres, the creativity, leadership and innovation of this year’s winners sets a new bar for Australian mathematics education,” said AMSI Director, Prof Geoff Prince. 

Students reveal why our world needs maths
St Matthew’s Catholic School (NSW) received top junior honours, Ferny Grove State High School (Qld) took intermediate team and Geelong Grammar School (Vic) won 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 Excellence Awards with a further 20 Highly CommendedAwards to be presented at school assemblies.