Cassandra Portelli

Head Teacher Mathematics at Hunter School of the Performing Arts

Australia

About

Head Teacher Mathematics at Hunter School of the Performing Arts. I believe passionately in the value of mentoring new teachers, the importance of quality financial literacy for young people, and making maths real and fun in the classroom. Teaching for over 30 years, I hold a Bachelor of Economics, a Diploma of Education and a Master's degree in Gifted Education. I have researched problem solving in Mathematics with surprising results. I was an inaugural ChooseMaths Award winner, for innovative teaching. As a Premier’s Scholar, I was commissioned to research financial literacy education in Europe, Canada and the US in 2018. In 2021 I was awarded the Premier’s Prize for Innovative Mathematics Teaching. I have presented at MANSW conferences about graphics calculators, MoneySmart Teaching, differentiating units of work and engaging students in Mathematics. I am a member of the organising committee of the Newcastle MANSW cluster and the Newcastle Mathematics Educators Community. I also work very closely with Newcastle University as an adjunct, have lectured in Mathematics Teacher Education, presented at various events, and co-published with academic leaders.

Experience

  • NSW Department of Education (Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia)
    • Head Teacher Mathematics
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Secondary Mathematics Support Officer
      Jan 2023 - Jan 2025 · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • Head Teacher Mathematics at Hunter School of Performing Arts
    Dec 2013 - Jan 2023 · 9 yrs 2 mos

  • Head Teacher Mathematics at Wingham High School
    Oct 2010 - Dec 2013 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    Leading a Department of Mathematics Teachers

  • Mathematics Teacher at Port Macquarie High School
    Apr 1995 - Oct 2010 · 15 yrs 7 mos