The $2.5 Million Boost from Bertalli Family Foundation

Australia's higher education sector is stepping up to combat the escalating maths teacher shortage with a landmark $2.5 million donation to La Trobe University's Science of Mathematics Education (SOME) Lab. Announced recently, this gift from the Bertalli Family Foundation targets the retraining of existing teachers and the preparation of new educators through evidence-based methods. The funding aligns perfectly with national calls for urgent action, as highlighted by Professor Joanna Barbousas, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Education, Impact and Innovation at La Trobe, who described it as a 'game-changer' for equipping teachers with confidence in maths instruction.

The Bertalli Foundation, known for over 40 years of philanthropy in education and science, has a history of supporting La Trobe's initiatives. This follows a previous $2.5 million donation in 2023 to the Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) Lab, which successfully retrained thousands of teachers in evidence-based literacy, particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas.

Unpacking Australia's Maths Teacher Shortage Crisis

The maths teacher shortage in Australia has reached critical levels, positioning the country as the third worst globally for overall teacher shortages. In secondary schools, up to 75% of high school students are taught by teachers lacking specialist maths qualifications, both in content knowledge and pedagogy. This out-of-field teaching phenomenon affects approximately 40% of high school mathematics instructors, many of whom come from English or science backgrounds but struggle with advanced topics.

Recent data from the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) underscores the severity: students taught by out-of-field teachers consistently show poorer maths outcomes, exacerbating declines in NAPLAN and PISA results. One in three Australian students fails to achieve proficiency in maths, with 28% of teachers reporting a lack of confidence in delivering Year 6-level content. Regional and disadvantaged schools bear the brunt, where shortages are triple historic rates and stress levels among educators are alarmingly high—nine in ten teachers report severe stress.

Key Statistics Highlighting the National Emergency

Delving deeper into the data reveals a multifaceted crisis. AMSI's 2026 pre-budget submission calls for a national strategy, noting that the shortage threatens the skilled workforce needed for future industries. Projections indicate over 4,000 secondary teacher vacancies by 2025, with STEM subjects like maths hit hardest—40% out-of-field in high school maths alone.

• 75% of high school maths classes led by non-specialists (AMSI).
• 1/3 students below proficiency (Grattan Institute).
• Teacher applications up 6.5% for 2026 undergraduate programs, but supply lags demand (Federal Education Minister).
• Australia ranks 3rd worst globally for shortages (international data).

These figures not only impact student performance but also the economy, as maths proficiency underpins STEM careers essential for innovation.Explore higher ed career advice for pathways into teaching.

La Trobe's SOME Lab: Pioneering Evidence-Based Training

Central to the donation is La Trobe's SOME Lab, co-directed by Associate Professor Chrissy Monteleone and international expert Professor Anna Stokke from the University of Winnipeg. Launched in 2025, the lab delivers short, online courses teaching explicit instruction—directly explaining concepts, modeling steps, guided practice, and feedback. This contrasts with inquiry-based methods criticized for assuming prior knowledge students lack.

The funds will scale these programs nationally, focusing on regional teachers. Neville Bertalli emphasized universities' role in translating research to classrooms, praising La Trobe's leadership. Early SOLAR Lab success shows retrained teachers boosting student outcomes significantly.

Prof. Stokke, host of the Chalk & Talk podcast, brings global evidence that explicit teaching aligns with Australian curricula needs.Read La Trobe's announcement.

Explicit Instruction: Proven Methods Backed by Research

Explicit instruction, a structured approach where teachers break down maths into manageable steps—'I do, we do, you do'—is gaining traction. Australian Education Research Organisation endorses it for reducing cognitive load and building foundations. Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 mandates it as foundational for maths.

Studies show it outperforms discovery learning, especially for disadvantaged students. La Trobe's programs adapt international evidence (e.g., from Canada) to Australian contexts, with growing teacher uptake post-NAPLAN declines.

Retraining Existing Teachers: A Scalable Solution

Upskilling out-of-field teachers is key. La Trobe's online modules allow quick certification, targeting the 40% unqualified. Similar efforts at Southern Cross University (Professional Certificate in Teaching Mathematics) and Charles Sturt University (microcredentials) complement this.

Federation University's 2026 Master of Teaching (Secondary) Employment-based Program offers $16,000 scholarships for maths/English shortages. Notre Dame's Master of Mathematics Education retrains professionals.View higher ed jobs in education.

University-Led Initiatives Nationwide

Beyond La Trobe, universities are innovating. University of New England offers maths teaching specializations; QUT's Bachelor of Mathematics/Master of Teaching builds deep content knowledge. ACU's All Points to Teaching provides scholarships for career changers.

These programs address the pipeline issue, with 6.5% rise in 2026 teaching applications signaling hope.

Government Policies and Collaborative Efforts

The federal government funds 1,600 early-career teachers via Quality Teaching Rounds through 2026. AMSI pushes for national upskilling strategy. States mandate explicit teaching; Victoria's VTLM emphasizes it.AMSI's pre-budget submission.

Challenges persist: aging workforce (18.7% over 60), workload stress driving exits.

Economic Stakes: Why Maths Proficiency Matters

Maths underpins STEM jobs; shortages risk $billions in lost productivity. Poor PISA maths ranks threaten innovation. Retrained teachers could lift proficiency, boosting GDP via skilled workforce.

Persistent Challenges and Roadblocks

Despite initiatives, regional shortages worsen; stress/burnout at 90%. Out-of-field teaching perpetuates cycle. Need sustained funding, incentives.

Looking Ahead: Optimism Through Collaboration

With La Trobe's lead, university programs, and policy shifts, recovery possible. Monitor 2026 NAPLAN for impacts. Long-term: attract maths grads to teaching via scholarships, better pay.

Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash

Career Opportunities in Maths Education

Aspiring educators, consider retraining. La Trobe/SOME Lab opens doors; demand high for qualified maths teachers. Explore higher ed jobs, university jobs, career advice, rate my professor. Join the solution shaping Australia's future.