education.vic.gov.au

School operations

Student Resource Package – Targeted Initiatives

Secondary Mathematics and Science Initiative (Reference 133)

The Secondary Mathematics and Science Initiative (SMSI) has been developed to help address current workforce challenges in the teaching of mathematics and science in secondary schools.

As part of the 2023–24 Victorian State Budget, the government provided $10.1 million for the Secondary Science, Technologies and Mathematics (SSTM) initiative to address out-of-field teaching in the STEM disciplines. This included funding for a third intake of the Secondary Science and Mathematics Initiative (SMSI).

Teachers who are currently teaching out‐of‐field will be supported to become ‘in-field’ by 2025 by undertaking a two-year graduate certificate over 2023 and 2024 in mathematics or science education.

Eligibility

Schools with the following school type are eligible for the Secondary Mathematics and Science Specialists Initiative at school level:

  • Secondary
  • Primary/Secondary Combined
  • Language
  • Special

Funding is calculated at the Confirmed and Revised budget cycles and provided through credit funding.

Calculation

Funding Allocation = Number of participating teachers × (0.1 × Level 2–6 salary + school on‐costs). This totals to $13,268 per year in 2023 and 2024 for each participating teacher.

Reference 133 of the SRP Guide, providing information on Secondary Mathematics and Science Specialists Initiative

Reviewed 21 June 2023

Guidance

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