On 19 May 2025 Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll announced Eleanor Drayton, Emily Glen, Patrick Kennedy and Stephanie Nitschke as the inaugural Victorian Mathematics Ambassadors. The Mathematics Ambassadors were selected for their demonstrated experience in helping students develop a positive attitude, motivation to learn, and academic achievement in mathematics.
Throughout the remainder of 2025 and 2026, the Mathematics Ambassadors will:
- support parent and community engagement in mathematics
- provide inspiration to study mathematics
- highlight mathematics careers and pathways.
The Mathematics Ambassadors exemplify the updated Victorian Teaching and Learning Model and will support Victorian schools and teachers in its implementation.
Meet the Victorian Mathematics Ambassadors
Eleanor Drayton, Hume Central Secondary College
Eleanor is passionate about mathematics teaching and learning and driving improvements in student engagement and outcomes. She does this by making mathematics as a subject come alive. Eleanor believes that everyone has the capacity to feel success when engaging with maths and will raise aspirations for mathematics in the secondary context and promote pathways for VCE mathematics.
Eleanor has over 10 years' experience teaching with a Masters of Education in Professional Practice.
I love teaching maths and am an ambassador for the subject whenever I can be, in communication with students, staff, the community and my own family and friends. I am privileged to bring my enthusiasm to a wider audience through the Victorian Mathematics Ambassador role.
Emily Glen, Mount Pleasant Road Primary School
Emily believes that all learners can succeed in mathematics with the right support and encouragement and all teachers are capable of delivering quality content. She aims to build confidence and inspire innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Emily's work is driven by a belief in fostering curiosity, encouraging challenge, and creating meaningful engagement for all learners. Emily will enhance teacher confidence and capabilities through professional learning offerings and enhance family and community engagement in mathematics.
Emily has 10 years' experience teaching, with 8 years in mathematics leadership.
Maths is for everyone. At its core my work is about creating meaningful engagement, fostering curiosity and ensuring that every student feels capable and included in maths. I’m committed to leading change that ensures that maths is accessible, engaging and valued by all, that it supports students and empowers teachers.
Patrick Kennedy, Our Lady Star of the Sea Ocean Grove
Patrick believes that every student can develop a strong foundation in mathematics when provided with high-quality instruction tailored to their individual learning needs. Patrick’s approach to teaching mathematics is centered on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to develop confidence and proficiency in numeracy. Patrick will enhance student engagement and aspirations and play a role in addressing mathematics anxiety.
Patrick has 10 years' experience teaching and in a learning specialist role and a Masters in Wellbeing.
I’m incredibly passionate about all areas of Mathematics. Every student deserves a high-quality structured mathematics education, and every teacher deserves support to deliver this with confidence and consistency. My passion lies in leading this change. I am honored to continue this work as a Victorian Mathematics Ambassador, driving forward a shared vision for excellence in mathematics education across Victoria.
Stephanie Nitschke Nazareth Catholic Primary School Grovedale
Stephanie is passionate and enthusiastic about mathematics education, particularly sparking curiosity and excitement in her students. Stephanie finds it rewarding to develop engaging and dynamic lessons that make maths both accessible and exciting. She will inspire and motivate students and practitioners to pursue their educational and professional goals.
Stephanie has over 10 years' experience with a Master of Education in Mathematics Leadership.
I love fostering a genuine interest in how mathematics can be used to describe the world around us. 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.
Find out more
Learn more about how the department is implementing mathematics in Victorian schools:
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