Over the past decade, we’ve had countless conversations with educators about the challenges they face both in the classroom and in leadership roles. This year, a common theme has emerged: teachers and school leaders across the country are grappling with a few key challenges that have proven difficult to overcome. Here’s what they’ve been sharing:

1. Staff shortages

One of the most pressing issues for school leaders is the ongoing challenge of staff shortages. Many schools are struggling to attract and retain qualified maths teachers, leaving gaps in the classroom that impact students’ learning experiences. Increasing pressure and overwhelming workload has seen an increasing number of teachers choosing early retirement or leaving the profession altogether.

In fact, the problem is so prominent, that the media often runs stories about the new lengths schools are going to to desperately fill maths teacher gaps. 

School leaders are being forced to find creative solutions, such as relying on temporary or less experienced teachers, which can lead to inconsistencies in instruction. While leaders are doing their best to support staff and manage workloads, the shortage of qualified educators remains a critical issue that impacts both the quality of education and the morale of the teaching team.

Read more about strategies for managing staff shortages here.

2. Student achievement levels and Year 12 results

Student achievement in mathematics, particularly in senior years, remains a significant concern for school leaders. In Year 12, where students are preparing for final exams that can determine their post-secondary pathways, the pressure to deliver strong results is immense.

However, many schools are finding that student achievement levels are inconsistent, and there is growing concern about the number of students opting out of advanced mathematics courses. Factors such as a lack of confidence, previous gaps in foundational skills, and disengagement are all contributing to lower-than-expected results. School leaders are striving to provide additional support and interventions, but they are often constrained by limited resources and staff shortages.

Read more about how you can increase the number of students in senior maths here.

3. Consistency in content and teaching approaches

Another issue that school leaders are grappling with is ensuring consistency in content delivery and teaching approaches across classrooms. It’s not uncommon for students to receive varying levels of instruction depending on the teacher, which can lead to gaps in knowledge and understanding.

To combat this, schools are working to align their maths curriculum and ensure that all teachers are using consistent methods and materials. However, achieving this level of consistency can be challenging, especially when there are differing opinions on teaching styles and when staff turnover is high. School leaders are continually working on professional development and collaboration to bridge these gaps, but it’s a slow and ongoing process.

Read more about whole-school, consistent approaches to content and teaching here.

4. Spread of ability and differentiation

In any given maths classroom, there is often a wide spread of abilities among students. Some students may be excelling, while others are struggling to grasp basic concepts. Differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners is a challenge that teachers and school leaders face daily.

Creating an inclusive environment where every student can succeed requires tailored support, varied instructional strategies, and often smaller class sizes—all of which can be difficult to provide in the face of budget constraints and staff shortages. School leaders recognize the importance of differentiation but are often stretched thin when trying to provide the necessary resources and training for teachers to effectively manage diverse abilities in the classroom.

Read more about how personalised learning can be made easy here.

5. Classroom management

Classroom management remains one of the most persistent challenges for both teachers and school leaders. Disruptive behaviour, lack of focus, and low student engagement can all impede the learning process. For teachers, managing these behaviours while delivering the curriculum can be incredibly stressful, and for school leaders, supporting teachers with behaviour management strategies is a top priority.

School leaders are implementing various strategies, such as promoting positive behaviour programs and increasing mental health support. However, when compounded with staff shortages and larger class sizes, managing behaviour becomes a more complex issue that can take a toll on teacher well-being and student progress.

Read more about managing challenging behaviour here.

6. Data: Knowing what to use and how to analyse it

The use of data in education has grown exponentially in recent years, but many school leaders still struggle with knowing which data is most valuable and how to effectively analyse it. Schools collect a wide range of data—from standardised test scores to formative assessments—but translating this information into actionable insights can be challenging.

Leaders are seeking ways to use data to drive decisions about teaching strategies, interventions, and resource allocation. However, without the proper tools and training, data can sometimes feel overwhelming or misused. School leaders are advocating for more targeted professional development on data analysis and are seeking systems that simplify the process without oversimplifying the results.

Read more about how to use data to create better content here.

7. Building teacher capacity

One of the core responsibilities of school leaders is building the capacity of their teaching staff. This includes providing ongoing professional development, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration. However, with heavy workloads and limited time, it can be difficult to offer meaningful professional growth opportunities.

School leaders are finding themselves in a position where they need to prioritise staff development but are limited by time and budget constraints. Many are implementing more creative approaches, such as peer observations, collaborative planning sessions, and in-house workshops, to provide professional learning experiences without adding to teachers’ already full plates.

Watch this short video on how leaders can build teacher capacity here.

8. Managing workload

Teachers are under increasing pressure to manage growing workloads, from lesson planning to grading, classroom management, and administrative tasks. This workload can quickly become overwhelming, leading to burnout and high turnover rates. School leaders are acutely aware of the impact this has not only on teacher well-being but also on student outcomes.

To address this, school leaders are looking for ways to streamline processes, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, and promote work-life balance for their staff. However, with limited staffing and increasing demands from external agencies, finding that balance is an ongoing struggle.

Read more about managing burnout here.

9. Managing parent perceptions and relationships

Parents play a crucial role in the success of their children’s education, but managing parent expectations and relationships can be a delicate balancing act for school leaders. In the context of maths education, parents often have strong opinions about how their children should be taught, particularly when it comes to preparation for standardised testing and final exams.

School leaders must maintain open communication with parents, ensuring they are informed about their child’s progress while managing expectations about what the school can realistically provide. At times, these conversations can be challenging, particularly when parents feel that their child’s needs are not being met or when they question teaching methods. Building trust and fostering positive relationships with parents is a key focus for school leaders, but it requires patience, transparency, and effective communication.

Read more about managing relationships with parents and guardians here.

Addressing the challenges together

The challenges facing school leaders in secondary schools, particularly in the realm of mathematics education, are multifaceted and complex. From managing staff shortages to navigating parent relationships, leaders are continually striving to create environments where both students and teachers can thrive. By working collaboratively, supporting teachers, and finding innovative solutions, school leaders are making strides toward overcoming these obstacles and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed in mathematics.