Convened by Associate Professor Mary Coupland, the Mathematics for Secondary Education, fills a need identified by the NSW government as Mathematics as a high-demand subject area. The Master’s program is designed for a three year part-time commitment, and the Graduate Diploma for two years part-time. There is a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places for 2021 and we anticipate similar support in 2022.
The program may also be relevant to teachers wishing to re-train in other State jurisdictions, however interstate candidates should check that the course meets the requirements of the Education Department in their State or Territory.
With 10 years teaching Mathematics in Secondary Schools, and twenty years of teaching university mathematics, Associate Professor Coupland understands what it takes to teach mathematics to Secondary students. Associate Professor Coupland, the Mathematics for Secondary Education Program Director and Lecturer is passionate about encouraging teachers to contribute to their profession. She has received numerous accolades for her work in advancing Mathematics education: she is an honorary life member of the Mathematical Association of New South Wales, the state professional association for teachers of mathematics at all levels. For her work with Professional Teachers Associations she was awarded the Outstanding Professional Service Award by the Professional Teachers Council, NSW, in 2012 and the Exceptional Service Award in 2020. She was President of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (2014 – May 2016). Assoicate Professor Coupland is also a member of the professional body for mathematicians, the Australian Mathematical Society and has been a consultant to state and national curriculum bodies.
Teaching alongside Associate Professor Coupland, is Dr Martin Bell. Together with his work as an astrophysicist and lecturer at UTS, Martin teaches Mathematics and Physics at Westbourne College Sydney: an IB-only, IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme. As experienced Mathematics teachers in Secondary Schools, Associate Professor Mary Coupland and Dr Martin Bell understand the complexities of teaching mathematics as well as the skills needed by teachers to succeed.
‘The course comprises mathematics teaching methods and University level content that includes statistics, algebra, and calculus, as well as electives.’ -Dr Martin Bell.
Students benefit from the collaboration between mathematics specialists in the Faculty of Science, and Teacher Education academics in the School of International Studies and Education, and engage with core teaching methods and professional experience subjects specifically designed for teaching mathematics in years 7-12. Professional advancement is enhanced through a suite of blended teaching practice electives in learning design, learning analytics, e-learning and digital learning. Teachers with insufficient undergraduate mathematics studies may utilise the elective component to add mathematics discipline subjects to their study plan.
The course is offered in a flexible mixed mode, with a large proportion of the course delivered online, and a small number of subjects requiring block attendance on campus. This course design allow teachers in the workforce who wish to upgrade or enhance their skills to take up that opportunity without overloading their schedule. The teaching pedagogy reflects and scaffolds relevant types of remote or online learning that support the teachers in achieving the required learning outcomes.
'What is great about this course is that learning is online and also part-time, allowing those currently teaching to upskill at their pace. It also means that teachers from around Australia can participate. Feedback from those already in the program indicates that they appreciate the personal support and constant feedback that we have built into the subjects.' -Associate Professor Mary Coupland.
