Master of Teaching - Secondary Specialisations (Mathematics)

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) – Mathematics at the University of Tasmania is strongly practice-oriented, with students progressively moving from observing classroom teaching to taking on greater responsibility during supervised school placements. The program includes 60 days of Professional Experience, supported by experienced teachers, and students develop practical teaching skills while working toward the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Mathematics students also have access to the School of Natural Sciences’ mathematics learning environment, including computer laboratories equipped with modern mathematical software and collaborative whiteboard spaces.

Practical learning opportunities include:

• School placements: Students complete 60 days of Professional Experience, including 15 days in PE1, 20 days in PE2, and 25 days in PE3, gaining progressively deeper classroom experience.
• Classroom observation: The first semester introduces students to the teaching profession through six days in a school setting, helping them observe contemporary classroom practice before taking on greater teaching responsibilities.
• Progressive teaching practice: During the second year, students spend two days per week in a school across two semesters, followed by an intensive four-week placement, allowing them to become part of the school community and gradually assume more teaching responsibilities.
• Mathematics computer laboratories: The School of Natural Sciences provides computer labs equipped with modern mathematical software, supporting practical work in mathematical modelling, analysis, statistics and related areas.
• Collaborative learning spaces: Mathematics facilities include wide corridors covered with whiteboards, specifically providing space for students to work collaboratively on assignments and mathematical problems.
• Mathematics research exposure: The Mathematics discipline conducts research in statistics, decision science, pure mathematics and applied mathematics, including modelling work connected to areas such as biology and environmental science.
• Teaching technology: University teaching environments include lecture theatres with recording facilities capable of capturing whiteboard and screen content, alongside tutorial rooms, laboratories, video-conference rooms and flexible learning spaces.
• Professional assessment: The final professional preparation incorporates the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA), requiring students to demonstrate their developing teaching practice and impact.
• School network: The Faculty of Education's Professional Experience Office arranges more than 1,500 placements annually through a network of 400+ schools and centres, providing a broad setting for supervised teaching experience.
• Paid teaching experience: Where eligible, students may undertake embedded Professional Experience through employment in schools under a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT), integrating study with paid teaching practice. 

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) – Mathematics prepares graduates to teach Mathematics to students in Grades 7–12, combining advanced teaching knowledge with substantial classroom experience. Graduates can pursue teaching careers in public and private schools across Australia and overseas, with the qualification recognised across Australian states and territories.

Career roles: Secondary Mathematics Teacher, Mathematics Teacher, Relief Teacher, Curriculum/Teaching Specialist.

Employment and professional opportunities:

• Career support: The University of Tasmania provides work-integrated learning and career-focused opportunities, while the Master of Teaching includes 60 days of supervised Professional Experience across three placements, allowing students to develop classroom skills and professional networks before graduation.
• Employment outcomes: Across the University of Tasmania, 82% of graduates found full-time employment within four months, compared with a national average of 76%, while 90% were employed within four months, compared with 86% nationally. The University's reported average full-time salary within four months was $97,000, compared with a national average of $94,000, based on the 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey.
• Teaching-sector outlook: The University reports projected growth through 2034 of 8.4% for secondary school education and 12.8% for school principals, based on National Skills Commission ten-year projections from May 2024 to May 2034.
• School partnerships: The Faculty of Education works with 400+ schools and centres that host professional-experience placements, with the Professional Experience Office arranging more than 1,500 placements annually in recent years.
• Industry-linked pathway: The University has partnered with Tasmania's Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) through the Change2Teaching initiative, providing an employment-based pathway in which selected Master of Teaching students study while working in Tasmanian government schools.
• Professional accreditation: The Master of Teaching is an accredited Initial Teacher Education course with the Tasmanian Teachers Registration Board and is recognised across all Australian states and territories. The University also states that graduates are deemed qualified to teach in public and private schools throughout Australia and overseas.
• Graduation outcomes: Graduates with the Secondary Specialisation are prepared to teach Grades 7–12, with the University's career information identifying teaching opportunities throughout Australia and overseas.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Master of Teaching, graduates can pursue further postgraduate study in Education, including advanced education coursework or research pathways. The University of Tasmania also offers higher-level research study, allowing graduates interested in educational research, curriculum development or academic careers to continue toward research qualifications.