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President: Kerryn Sandford (Heathmont College)
Kerryn is the current President of MAV. Kerryn is the recently appointed Principal of Heathmont College and has been in the position since October 2020. She has taught Mathematics and Science across years 7 to 12 since 1997 and undertaken additional study having completed a Masters in Education and a Professional Certificate in Mentoring from The University of Melbourne.
She has previously held positions in school leadership in the North West Region of Melbourne ranging from working as a Numeracy Coach for a large metropolitan secondary school to assistant principal at another. Throughout her career, Kerryn has maintained a strong focus on improving the mathematics and numeracy development of staff and students. Prior to taking on the role of Principal in 2020, Kerryn held a position in the Learning Teaching and Pathways Division of DET as Manager of Numeracy and Mathematics. Through this role, Kerryn was involved in the development and delivery of a number of key projects to further professional knowledge and practice of the teaching of mathematics and numeracy and oversaw the development of tools and resources for the Mathematics Teaching Toolkit including the Mathematics Curriculum Companion, Middle Years Mathematics Challenges, and the Mathematics Monographs series, amongst others.
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Vice President: Adrienne English (Melbourne Grammar School – Grimwade House)
Adrienne is currently the Enrichment Coordinator at Melbourne Grammar School – Grimwade House, a role she been in at this school for 15 years. She holds a Masters of Education in Gifted Education and has 25+ years of primary classroom and leadership experience. Adrienne taught in several Melbourne Independent Schools as a classroom teacher across a range of year levels prior to her current position. Along with her current role, she was also the Mathematics Program Coordinator for close to 10 years at Grimwade House.Adrienne is skilled in designing Maths curriculum which meets the needs of a range of students, along with coordinating enrichment and extension opportunities for students from P-6.
She has a deep working knowledge and experience with the Australian and Victorian Curriculum, as well as the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Adrienne's passion has always been in teaching Mathematics. She coordinates the ongoing implementation and delivery of targeted Maths Enrichment programs, including Olympiads and MCYA Challenges. Her aspiration is to not only challenge her most gifted mathematical students, but to develop a growth mindset in all students whereby they can attain success in Mathematics. She has had multiple opportunities to lead professional development of Maths teaching, supporting staff in planning for and delivering differentiated lessons.
Adrienne consistently looks for opportunities to challenge her own teaching of Mathematics and respond to changes in education as opportunities have arisen. She was in the first round of the ReSolve Champions program, developing and trialling activities, and more recently was involved in piloting the recent 'Problemo' platform from the AMT. Adrienne has completed multiple professional development courses since her Masters, including the learning and teaching of Maths at Stanford University with Jo Boaler. -
Kim Stoddart (The TABOO Group)
With extensive experience in leading finance and administration functions, Kim holds a CPA, GAICD and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Commercial Law from Deakin University. Kim specialises in unifying teams to achieve optimal outcomes, fostering an environment of empowerment and mentorship.
As the Finance Director at The TABOO Group in 2024 and previously as CFO and Director at Quantum Market Research and Hall & Partners, Kim consistently formed and led high-calibre teams across various industries. Kim's approach is grounded in embracing responsibility and excelling amidst challenges, delivering objective, reliable insights pivotal to executive decision-making. By cultivating strong stakeholder relationships, Kim fosters trust and facilitates seamless collaboration at all levels.
Driven by a passion for financial management, Kim is committed to delivering accurate and insightful outputs critical to shaping organisational strategy. As a results-driven and dependable partner to senior leadership teams, Kim takes pride in contributing to the growth and success of the business. With a forward-thinking mindset and proactive problem-solving approach, Kim consistently anticipates and addresses future challenges, minimising risks and identifying opportunities.
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Dr Ann Downton (Monash University)
Ann Downton is currently a Lecturer in undergraduate and post-graduate early childhood and primary mathematics education courses in the Faculty of Education at Monash University. Her research interests centre on how students construct their mathematical knowledge, in particular their development of multiplicative thinking (the focus of her doctoral studies); how teachers challenge students' mathematical thinking; mathematics planning for instruction, and assessment practices. Ann was very proud to be a member of the Early Numeracy Research Project team that received the 2011 MERGA Research Award in recognition of an outstanding contribution to mathematics education research.
Ann is a passionate mathematics educator with extensive experience as a primary school teacher, a part-time mathematics and science specialist and as a mathematics consultant. She continues to work with schools in a professional learning and research capacity and in the classroom to support teachers’ pedagogical practices and enhance students' learning and enjoyment of mathematics. Ann has been a member of the Mathematical Association of Victoria for more than 38 years, during which time she has been an active member of the Professional Development committee, the Annual Conference committee, assisted with the Mathematics Talent Quest judging, and had the fortune to serve on Board and contribute to the MAV’s strategic plan. She is currently the convenor of the Annual Conference committee.
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Dr Aylie Davidson (Deakin University)
Dr Aylie Davidson's career aspiration is to ensure that every child has access to a quality education and that irrespective of background, knows they can learn and succeed. What motivates her as an educator is founded on enhancing student engagement, teaching for social justice and conceptual understanding. Her career in education spans 16 years and teaching and leadership roles in metropolitan and regional primary school settings, initial teacher education at Deakin University and Monash University, and project leadership for the Department of Education Victoria (DET).
She has worked as a Leading Teacher (Mathematics); Numeracy Intervention Specialist; Mathematics Coach; Research Fellow; and Project Manager. In 2015, she received a scholarship to undertake her PhD that included working on the Australian Research Council Discovery Project ‘Encouraging Persistence Maintaining Challenge’ research team. Aylie’s PhD examined ways to help teachers work together to plan student-centred mathematics learning sequences and experiences that involve innovative pedagogies. Her other research interests include mathematical reasoning; innovative pedagogies in numeracy and mathematics; middle school leadership; and student engagement. Since then, she has worked on major funded research initiatives including ReSolve Mathematics by Inquiry and the Bastow Institute for Education Leadership’s Numeracy Suite. She is also experienced in working with pre-service teachers, educators and school leaders to transform the way they think about mathematics teaching and learning. In 2020, Aylie undertook the role of Principal Policy Officer – Numeracy and Mathematics Education at DET where she oversaw large scale reform projects in mathematics. In 2022, she stepped back into the Academy where she currently works as a lecturer and researcher in primary mathematics education at Deakin University.
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Dr Matt Sexton (Mathematics Education Lecturer, Australian Catholic University Faculty of Education and Arts)
Dr Matt Sexton is the Director of the Mathematics Teaching and Learning Centre (MTLC), a Mathematics Education Lecturer, and the Enterprise Manager for the Faculty of Education and Arts (FEA) at ACU. He joined ACU in 2010 after working as a primary school teacher, numeracy coordinator, and mathematics advisor. Matt now works with pre-service teachers and has received four Executive Dean commendations for teaching excellence, winning the FEA Excellence in Teaching Award in 2023. As MTLC Director since 2018, Matt has led ACU's mathematics education research translation by designing and leading conferences for teachers and school leaders.
In 2020, he repositioned the MTLC's PD program to include virtual professional development through webinars, Matt secured a tender with the Victorian Department of Education to develop an online planning resource for the updated Victorian Curriculum: Mathematics documentation. Matt's PhD focused on the role of mathematics leaders in primary schools, examining how School Mathematics Leaders sustained project-initiated teaching reforms through school-based professional learning leadership. He builds relationships through school-university-industry partnerships, working with schools and education departments across Australia. Matt often teaches mathematics lessons in schools and leads four middle leadership programs for mathematics leaders in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
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Louise Gray (Chief Marketing and Development Officer, The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation)
Louise is the Chief Marketing and Development Officer at The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation where her work collides perfectly with her love of gardening and cooking. Her remit includes working to ensure the financial sustainability of the organisation via partnerships, marketing and fundraising. Prior to working at The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, Louise headed up marketing and partnerships for Homes for Homes, a long term initiative that has the capacity to solve homelessness in Australia. For a number of years, Louise was the National Marketing and Partnerships Manager at The Big Issue, a powerful brand and an amazing social enterprise geared at creating work opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged people.
Louise worked with the Mathematical Association of Victoria on a marketing consultancy project in 2011 and since then has continued to work alongside the MAV to lift the brand profile of the organisation and communicate its good work to its member base and the mathematics education community more broadly. Prior to that, she worked in the education sector for two of the country’s top universities – The University of Sydney and Monash University. Louise brings strategic marketing, communications and partnerships knowledge to the MAV board and believes that mathematics education plays a vital role in shaping the outcomes of students in Victoria. -
Justin de Lacy (Woodleigh School, Penbank Campus)
Justin lives on the Mornington Peninsula with his wife and three sons. He has been teaching for over 13 years, currently as a Year 4 teacher at Woodleigh School, Penbank Campus. He completed a Bachelor of Education at Australian Catholic University in 2009, and earned a Masters in Education (specialising in digital learning) at Monash in 2020. Justin loves and enjoys mathematics. As a teacher, he finds one the most satisfying moments to be when students have that 'AHA!' moment when they truly grasp a math concept or develop a math skill. He feels fortunate to be a classroom teacher, and cherishes the relationships he builds with students and their families. He is an Adobe Education Leader and active participant in the Adobe Education community.
Justin's interests include teaching, learning, art and design, listening to music, playing guitar, jogging, gardening, cooking, and eating delicious food. He loves living on the Peninsula, enjoying opportunities to explore the local trails, beaches, sights, parks, shops and cafes.
Justin worked in horticulture many years ago, completing a trade certificate in horticulture. Recently, he has started his own little backyard plant nursery, where he propagates native trees, shrubs and grasses. His goal is to share indigenous plants with neighbours and local environment groups to ensure the local flora is represented by the plants that have always been here.
Justin proudly support his sons' local football teams, assisting in various capacities: as boundary or goal umpire, runner, water carrier, or trainer. He enjoys being involved in community events and organisations.
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Dr David Leigh-Lancaster (Leigh-Lancaster Consulting)
David is an Education Consultant and partner of Leigh-Lancaster Consulting. He was the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) Mathematics Manager 1998 - 2021, and prior to that, taught 7-12 mathematics for 20 years, including half of these as a mathematics head of department. This involved leadership in mathematics education, connecting policy, research and practice, with stakeholders and other interested parties in academia, business, government, professional associations, schools, and the broader community. He has extensive experience and expertise in policy, school mathematics curriculum, assessment and pedagogy, professional learning, mathematics education research, resource development and the use of computational technology.
David has longstanding interests in the nature of mathematical inquiry, connections between mathematics and mathematics education, and has worked on Victorian, national and international curriculum development projects.
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Patrick Mete (Haileybury College)
Patrick 'Patty' Mete is a mathematics teacher, mathematics curriculum and learning expert and mathematician. He has taught Year 5 to university mathematics as a Mathematics Teacher at Haileybury and a Teaching Associate at Monash University. Patty completed his Honours in Mathematics in the field of Probability Theory and Stochastics. Moving into teaching, Patty has developed an interest and love for teaching upper-primary and lower-secondary school mathematics; the ability to catch students earlier in their mathematics learning, to build a love of learning mathematics, and to support the development of successful mathematics students and teachers at these pivotal year levels has been eye-opening, challenging and fulfilling for Patty.
As the Deputy Head of Middle School Mathematics at Haileybury, Patty supports the Year 5 and 6 mathematics teachers and students at the school and makes curriculum decisions to meet the needs of the learners. Patty's goals in mathematics education are to engage and challenge students through the creative application of mathematics, to introduce technology to education that is beneficial to student learning and to develop and lead a culture and curriculum of informed mathematics learning.
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Andrea O'Connor (Catholic Education Sandhurst)
Andrea's current position is a Senior Education Officer: Leader of Pedagogy for Catholic Education Sandhurst. In this role, she works collaboratively with teachers and school leaders to provide professional learning to develop data literacy and the implementation of evidence-based classroom practice to improve outcomes for students attending Catholic Education Sandhurst schools. Andrea also supports the development and implementation of strategic and school improvement plans with school leadership and school advisory councils and she is currently undertaking ACER NSIT school reviewer training.
Over her career, Andrea has taught mathematics in primary and secondary schools, in metropolitan, regional and rural settings across Victoria and the United Kingdom. She has mentored pre-service teachers for La Trobe University and lectured in General Science as part of the La Trobe University Tertiary Enabling Program. She has held leadership positions including Acting Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching Leader, Religious Education Leader and Numeracy Coach at St Patrick's Primary School, Wangaratta. At the beginning of her career, Andrea was a member of the Curriculum Committee and Equal Opportunity Coordinator at Northcote High School.
Andrea completed her Master of Education at Melbourne Graduate School of Education in 2020, specialising in Mathematics Education and Leadership with a particular interest in rural and regional student achievement in mathematics. She has been an active member of the Mathematics Association of Victoria, participating in the MAV Maths Talent Quest, attending and presenting at several conferences on Mindset Mathematics, Integrating ICT in the Mathematics Classroom and most recently in Differentiation. Andrea was recently published in the Common Denominator Magazine. In 2020/21 she worked collaboratively with MAV to convene the 2021 MAV Regional Conference which was hosted in Wangaratta.
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Jess Kurzman (Mathematics Leader)
Jessica Kurzman is a dedicated educator and leader passionate about mathematics education. Since completing her Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching at ACU in 2002, she has been actively involved in Catholic Education. For over 15 years, Jessica has served as a Primary School Mathematics Leader, initiating changes to enhance mathematics teaching and learning for students and teachers. Her recent studies in the Master of Education - Mathematics Leadership program at Monash University reignited her passion for making a broader impact. Jessica has contributed to Prime Number and Common Denominator, and her peer-reviewed article 'Supporting Positive Student Mathematical Dispositions: One School's Change Story was published in 'Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom'.
Jessica has presented at the MAV conference in 2022 and 2023, covering topics such as 'Implementing a Whole School Approach in Maths using the Launch, Explore, Summarise Model' and 'Engaging Ways to Promote Geometric Thinking in the Primary Years'. In 2023, Jessica, along with James Russo and Jane Hubbard, launched 'Talking Maths Teaching', an online networking platform for educators, offering discussions on contemporary mathematics education issues and professional development opportunities. As a consultant for MAV, Jessica has influenced mathematics teaching approaches across various schools and systems, driven by her desire to inspire and motivate others in the field. -
Paul Staniscia (Acting Head of Primary, Southern Cross Grammar)
Paul Staniscia is a distinguished educational leader, with extensive experience in various leadership roles, Paul has honed his expertise over the years. Before his current role, Paul was Deputy Principal at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School and Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School, where he fostered academic excellence and a supportive learning environment. He has also served as Mathematics Leader, ICT Leader, Learning and Teaching Leader, and Acting Principal, shaping educational policies and practices. Paul's dedication extends beyond his school. He is a member of the ACEL Editorial Board, sharing insights to shape educational discourse, and a Sessional Academic at Australian Catholic University, imparting knowledge to future educators.
As an Educational Consultant, Conference Keynote Speaker, and Workshop Facilitator, Paul's impact is both national and international, collaborating with students, teachers, leaders, and institutions to enhance pedagogy and foster student success. His achievements include the prestigious 2024 ACEL Fellowship and the 2019 New Voice in School Leadership award. He has published articles in Prime Number and ACEL Journals, sharing innovative practices and insights from his extensive experience. Paul's commitment to continuous development is evident through his contributions to education and his Masters of Educational Leadership, specialising in Mathematics. -
Dr Scott Cameron (Mathematics Education Lecturer, University of Melbourne)
Dr Scott Cameron is a lecturer in mathematics education at the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Education. He builds the capacity of pre-service secondary mathematics teachers, empowering them to educate future generations. Scott focuses on helping pre-service teachers connect theory and practice through their placements. Scott began his career as a secondary mathematics teacher, where he developed an interest in understanding students and their learning processes. This led him to pursue a PhD, which examined senior secondary students’ use of, attitudes towards, and factors influencing the use of Computer Algebra Systems. His current research interests include pre-service teacher education, practices that support the development of effective secondary mathematics teachers, and the potential uses of Artificial Intelligence to enhance mathematics teaching and learning.
Scott has a longstanding involvement with the Mathematical Association of Victoria, co-convening the annual Primary Mathematics Conference. This collaboration between the Association and the Faculty of Education offers practising teachers' valuable opportunities to develop their expertise and explore the connections between the latest research and their practice.
Honorary Life Members of the Mathematical Association of Victoria
Mr Gary Asp
Mrs Robin Borland
Ms Elizabeth Burns
Dr Ken Clements
Mr Bruce Devlin
Dr Ann Downton
Mr Patrick Costello
Dr Ken Evans, OAM
Ms Helen Haralambous
Mr Bruce Henry
Assoc Prof Marj Horne
Mr Denis Kennedy
Mr Charles Lovitt
Dr Ian Lowe
Ms Barbara Martin
Ms Allason McNamara
Mr Robert Money
Mr Simon Pryor
Mr Peter Saffin
Prof Dianne Siemon
Dr Max Stephens
E. Prof. Peter Sullivan
Prof. Colleen Vale
Mr Douglas Williams