Better together: The Girgensohn Foundation backs future STEM leaders

We are thrilled to announce a transformative partnership with The Girgensohn Foundation, which has pledged a generous $300,000 over three years to help us recruit and support outstanding Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teachers for the communities that need them most.

Established in 2008 by Dr Thomas and Ingeborg Girgensohn, the Foundation supports initiatives in health, education and the arts. Their latest partnership with us reflects a shared belief that education can drive equity. It also recognises the urgent need for passionate, skilled STEM teachers in classrooms serving students from low socio-economic and rural, regional and remote (RRR) backgrounds across Australia.

Fueling the STEM teacher pipeline

Their funding will help us connect more students with passionate STEM teachers — educators who can spark curiosity, make learning relevant and help students see futures they may never have imagined. Many of our teachers are career changers who bring real-world experience from STEM-related industries, showing students the practical pathways their learning can lead to.

We know that when students are taught by qualified STEM teachers, their learning outcomes improve significantly. In fact, students gain up to two to three additional months of learning in mathematics and science when taught by teachers with strong content knowledge and support (Evidence for Learning, 2020). This kind of impact is critical — students in regional, rural and remote schools are already more than 1.5 years behind their metropolitan peers in reading and up to two years behind in numeracy. In communities where opportunity is limited, those extra months of progress can change lives.

‘Attracting and supporting STEM educators isn’t just about filling classroom gaps — it’s about students having role models who believe in them,’ said Heath Ducker, TFA Executive Director, External Affairs.

‘When a student sees someone passionate about science or maths at the front of the room, it can ignite a sense of possibility. This funding gives us the support to find those teachers and stand beside them as they grow into leaders who can change the trajectory of young people’s futures.’

Supporting teachers to thrive

The Girgensohn Foundation’s support extends beyond recruitment — helping ensure our STEM teachers succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Every TFA teacher is part of our two-year Leadership Development Program — a comprehensive pathway that includes intensive training, professional development, peer networking, one-on-one coaching and hands-on classroom experience. While teaching full-time, they also study toward a Master of Teaching (Secondary), equipping them not only to teach from day one but to grow as leaders committed to closing educational gaps and improving outcomes for students who need it most.

Our partnership will support up to 45 new STEM teachers across three years — helping them grow into effective, resilient educators who transform student learning and contribute to long-term, system-wide change.

‘We are extremely grateful for Dr Thomas and Ingeborg Girgensohn’s generous funding,’ said Heath.

‘Their support strengthens our ability to attract and retain passionate STEM teachers — educators who bring first-hand experience into classrooms that too often go without.’

Thank you, Girgensohn Foundation

By backing passionate teachers in the communities that need them the most, they are helping to build a future where every student, no matter their postcode, can explore the possibilities of STEM. Their support ensures that teachers receive the coaching, training, and wellbeing resources needed to make a lasting difference in students’ lives.