Skip to main content

Vale Colleen Vale

 

Emeritus Professor Colleen Vale, a deeply respected member of the Australian mathematics education community, passed away on 5 August 2026, bringing to a close a career of more than fifty years dedicated to mathematics education, social justice, and equity.

Colleen began her career as a secondary school mathematics teacher before becoming a teacher educator and researcher. Her influence across Monash University, Deakin University, Victoria University, MAV, MERGA, and the broader education sector is profound and enduring.

Colleen's research made significant contributions to students' mathematical reasoning, teacher professional learning, and interdisciplinary mathematics and science education. She was also a leading voice in out of field mathematics education, gender equity research, advocating for girls' and women's participation, achievement, and agency in mathematics including VFL women' s football!

Colleen served the mathematics education community with exceptional commitment and dedication. She was a Past President of the MAV Committee, a AAMT Councillor, contributed to national policy, advocacy, and professional learning initiatives that continue to influence teachers across Victoria and Australia. She presented regularly at MAV and MAVRIC conferences, supported teacher professional learning initiatives, and championed research-informed practice, was a regular contributor to Vinculum, Common Denominator and Prime Number. Her work helped strengthen the bridge between classroom teaching and mathematics research, within Victorian primary and secondary schools.

Colleen, a life member of MAV will be remembered not only for her scholarship, but for her breadth and depth of mathematical knowledge, leadership and kindness. The MAV community extends its deepest condolences to Colleen's family, friends, colleagues, and former students. Her impact on mathematics education in Australia will continue to shape our field for many, many years to come.

Colleen's Celebration of Life and Service Information:

The Common Denominator 3/26

The Common Denominator

DOWNLOAD NOW

 

Quicklinks