Professor Kaye Stacey, an Emeritus Professor with over 40 years of experience in mathematics education, has recently been awarded the prestigious Emma Castelnuovo Award for her outstanding contributions to the field. The award, presented at the 15th International Congress on Mathematical Education in Sydney, recognizes Professor Stacey’s research-based design, development, and implementation of innovative practices in mathematics education.
Throughout her career, Professor Stacey has made significant impacts on mathematics education through her work on problem-solving, integrating new technologies, and researching student thinking. Her efforts have not only influenced assessments globally but have also benefited countless teachers and students. Professor Stacey’s passion for mathematics and its practical applications has been a driving force behind her work, focusing on equipping students to tackle important problems and preparing them for real-world challenges.
Having started her career in pure mathematics and earning a doctorate in number theory from the University of Oxford, Professor Stacey’s deep appreciation for the beauty and usefulness of mathematics has guided her work. She believes that the core goal of mathematics is solving significant problems, and the goal of mathematical education is to prepare students for this challenge. Like Emma Castelnuovo, the award’s namesake, Professor Stacey has dedicated her efforts to making this vision a reality for more teachers and students.
As the Foundation Chair of Mathematics Education at the University of Melbourne for 20 years until her retirement in 2012, Professor Stacey has led numerous research-based projects at various levels. Her long-standing relationship with the Academy, where she was a director of the reSolve: Mathematics by Inquiry project, has been instrumental in her receiving the Emma Castelnuovo Award. Her work with the Academy has been a significant contributing factor to her recognition in the mathematics education research community.
The Emma Castelnuovo Award, presented by the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI), recognizes outstanding achievements in the practice of mathematics education. Named after the Italian mathematics educator Emma Castelnuovo, the award celebrates her pioneering work and principles of developing mathematical education at all levels. It reflects the ICMI’s commitment to promoting collaboration, exchange, and dissemination of ideas on the teaching and learning of mathematics, from primary to university level.
In conclusion, Professor Kaye Stacey’s dedication to advancing mathematics education through innovative practices and research-based approaches has earned her the Emma Castelnuovo Award, a well-deserved recognition of her significant contributions to the field. Her work continues to inspire and benefit teachers and students worldwide, shaping the future of mathematics education for generations to come.