Rob Proffitt-White
Math and Numeracy Director
Rob is a respected and experienced change catalyst in translating research into everyday classroom routines and resources. His international teaching background (UK, Kuwait, Victoria, Queensland and now Aotearoa NZ) and multiple roles (teacher, mentor, University tutor, government consultant and coach) continue to develop his capacity for designing and delivering high impact mathematics professional learning experiences to fellow teachers through supportive and collaborative networks.
Rob is first and foremost a primary school teacher who continues to develop innovative and creative ways in supporting teachers to plan, teach and assess all mathematical proficiencies. His ability and methods to translate research into every day classroom practices have resulted in Australian awards and accolades and research articles on the impact of his work with teachers. His experiences working alongside teachers and school leaders as a Queensland Government Mathematics advisor and his work with schools across Aotearoa, has inspired teachers to become more discerning users of commercial resources and research findings, lessening the burden of being overwhelmed that countless teachers reported. His refreshed approach to in-school support has both empowered and resonated with teachers, leading them to marked improvements in teacher confidence and student disposition and performance.
Rob has also been invited to hold a variety of positions within education to enable more teachers to work alongside him. These positions have included
- 2009 – 2011 National Numeracy Mentor Australia
- 2011 – 2019 Principal Education Advisor – Australian Curriculum Mathematics
- 2012 – 2018 Sessional Lecturer – BEd Central Queensland University
- 2020 Deputy Principal: Beckenham te kura O Puroto School
- 2021 Maths Director: The Learner First
In 2021 he joined The Learner First team to work on further developing their mathematical understandings to better promote well-being as a state of mind through self-understanding, connection, knowledge, and competency. Rob continues to work alongside ministries, districts and schools across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Dubai and the United States making mathematics more accessible and enjoyable for all learners; teachers and students.
Published Articles
- Putting Teachers First: Leading Change Through Design – Initiating and Sustaining Effective Teaching of Mathematics
(2017) - Sustaining and Scaling Up Professional Development in Maths
Published in Mathematics Teacher Education and Development (2018)