Maths that Matters- and Motivates!
Â
PRESENTED BY Dr Sara Gaul-McKee
In this session, Sara draws on research into teacher capacity to show how confident teachers can cultivate a genuine passion for mathematics in themselves and their students. In this session, she demonstrates how real-life, authentic tasks and teaching can make maths exciting, relevant, and engaging.
Sara emphasises the role of teacher self-efficacy, strong pedagogical content knowledge, and formative assessment in shaping positive mathematical identities. Through practical examples and evidence-informed strategies, she illustrates how authentic real world connections sparks curiosity, deepens understanding, and supports inclusive classrooms, helping teachers rediscover the joy of teaching maths and empowering students to experience mathematics as a vibrant, meaningful subject and love maths!
About Dr Sara Gaul-McKee
Â
Dr Sara Gaul-McKee completed her Doctor of Education at the University of Melbourne, where her research centred on strengthening teacher capacity in mathematics and formative assessment. Throughout her career, Sara has held a range of school leadership roles, including Leading Teacher of Mathematics from Prep to Year 9, Assistant Principal of Curriculum, and Principal. She has also facilitated a Network Mathematics Community of Practice, collaborating with mathematics leaders and classroom teachers to enhance effective mathematics teaching.
Deeply passionate about mathematics education, Sara is committed to supporting both practising teachers and preservice teachers to develop strong pedagogical and content knowledge in mathematics.
She currently convenes Primary Mathematics units at Victoria University.
