1 June 2006
Monash University's Faculty of Education has appointed Professor Peter Sullivan as its new Professor of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education.
Before joining Monash on 22 May, Professor Sullivan was Pro Vice-Chancellor (Bendigo) at La Trobe University, and before that was Head of the School of Education at the Australian Catholic University. He also spent more than 10 years as a secondary school teacher in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Professor Sullivan said Australia faced the challenge of redressing the shortfall in high-quality science, mathematics and IT teachers, and the solution could start at school.
"We need to find ways to foster secondary students who have an interest in science, and develop that interest," he said.
"We need to generate throughput into tertiary science courses, with the intention that some of those graduates flow through to become teachers in science, maths and IT."
Professor Sullivan said science, mathematics and IT specialists should work with educators to find ways to support teachers through professional development, and contributions to curriculum initiatives.
"Monash is very well placed to help because of its strength in science, maths and IT, as well as its strength in education itself," he said.
For more information contact Ms Robyn Anns, Media Communications, Monash University, on +61 3 9905 9317 or 0417 568 781.
Photographs of Professor Sullivan are available.
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