Australia’s chief scientist has launched a teaching academy dedicated to excellence and innovation in the teaching of mathematics, science and technology.

Professor Ian Chubb, the Chief Scientist, opened the STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy at the University of Sydney, the first of its kind in Australia focus solely on teach STEM subjects - science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Recent analysis has predicted that there will be a big surges in STEM job demand over the coming years.

STEM careers from mining engineers to chemists, software programmers to agricultural scientists are forecast to grow at almost twice the pace of other occupations.

“To meet this need we want to give teachers nationally from both metropolitan and regional schools the best possible support, resources and skills to encourage their students to participate in STEM as the first step in pursuing related careers,” said Associate Professor Judy Anderson, acting director of the Academy.

The Academy is the brainchild of anonymous donors, who gave $5 million to make it possible. They were inspired to encourage young people to consider advanced STEM skills as vital to their future prospects.

The Academy draws on expertise from three key University schools - the Faculty of Education and Social Work, the Faculty of Science, and the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies.

The flagship course will be a multi-day residential program for up to 60 teachers of year 7-10 mathematics, science and technology.

The average high school teacher looks after approximately five classes, so the program has the potential to influence more than 80,000 students in its first five years.

The Academy will also offer new teachers professional development and mentoring to become STEM ambassadors. In the USA, the NASA Pre-Service Teacher Institute has had outstanding success with this model.

More details are available at the official website.