Rob Proffitt-White

Rob’s work in mathematics education has been recognised across Australia and New Zealand for its depth and impact. Over 10 years, he led the evolving rollout of the Queensland mathematics curriculum, creating a legacy of rich routines and tasks still used by schools today. His published research on sustaining and scaling professional development in mathematics led the Ministry of Education to invite him to design the interim Just-in-Time project, partnering with NZCER to upskill 50 accredited mathematics facilitators back in 2022. Rob was invited to join The Learner First in 2021 to bring his mathematics initiatives and established reputation to a global audience, supporting the company’s continued growth. Today up to 300 schools and kura are  partnering with TLFMaths to pursue sustainable approaches that build teacher confidence alongside—rather than in place of—existing materials and programmes. His wealth of experience and nuanced delivery—shaped by years working alongside curriculum advisors, commercial providers, master teachers, and university professors, and by staying connected in schools to model and mentor—makes him a trusted voice for NZPF through his termly webinars with the Exec team. Many of our principals now seek his well-informed insights into the place, strengths, and limitations of programmes; the non-negotiables for student-centred mathematics learning and assessment practices; and the consequences for outcomes, teacher dispositions, and school data when one-size-fits-all products become the only support. Rob remains committed to supporting principals and teachers on the education roller coaster, immersing himself each week across diverse schools to model, mentor, and navigate the uncertain seas.

Back