Deakin to deliver new STEM education initiative in Victorian secondary schools

Teachers at 30 secondary schools across Victoria are set to receive a boost to their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teaching credentials thanks to a new Victorian Government initiative delivered by Deakin University.

The Secondary STEM Catalysts initiative, announced recently by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, James Merlino, will see 60 teachers trained to lead, encourage and mentor other teachers in high-impact STEM education for students in Years 7 and 8.

The selected schools represent disadvantaged regions across Victoria and it is hoped that the new program will ignite a passion for STEM subjects in teachers and students alike.

“We are making Victoria the Education State, and part of that is making sure we equip our young people with the skills they need – and we know that they will include science, technology, engineering and maths,” Mr Merlino said.

“These specially-trained teachers will spark a love of STEM subjects, which are vital to our state’s future. They are part of a $30 million package that will change the way schools teach these subjects.”

Each of the 30 participating schools will nominate two teachers – one an expert within an area of STEM and the other an “out of field” teacher – to take part in the initiative.

The teachers will attend a three-day Induction Program from 15 – 17 June and undertake a two-year Postgraduate Certificate in STEM Education delivered by Deakin University’s Faculty of Arts and Education. Course fees will be covered by the Department of Education and Training, saving teachers and schools thousands of dollars.

In addition, the principals from each school will complete four Deakin University workshops over two years that will assist them to improve participation in STEM education in their schools.

Professor Brenda Cherednichenko, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Education, welcomed the new Secondary STEM Catalysts initiative.

“Developing STEM education and capability in young people from all backgrounds is a significant opportunity. Deakin is proud to be advancing STEM education with the Government, teachers and communities,” Professor Cherednichenko said.

Professor Julianne Moss, Director of Deakin’s Research for Educational Impact (REDI) Strategic Research Centre (SRC), explained that Deakin’s science education team leads the country.

“The team supports teachers to deepen their knowledge in this area. They have acted as a STEM catalyst in Victoria over the past decade,” Professor Moss said.

“This is an exciting new partnership between Deakin and the State of Victoria around a national priority.”

REDI’s Associate Professor Peter Hubber said there was a strong understanding that the future prosperity of Australia’s economy will be underpinned by higher levels of participation in STEM-related subjects.

“International research has found that 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations will require STEM skills and knowledge,” Associate Professor Hubber said.

“The State Government has identified the strong need to reverse the trend of decreasing STEM participation in schools. Strengthening teacher capability has been identified as a key means of achieving this outcome.”