About me

Inspiring Maths is Vanessa Brown…

I have been a part of mathematics education for over 30 years as a teacher, mathematics subject leader and Local Authority consultant.

As Inspiring Maths Education, I’m continuing my extensive 20+ year track record supporting primary and secondary schools to improve and develop the quality of teaching and learning with a specific focus on mathematics. This includes providing high quality, bespoke subject specific training, support, advice, consultancy and professional development across the country and internationally.

As an independent consultant, I wear a number of hats working for a variety of organisations.

  • I am an accredited professional lead for the National Centre for the Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (NCETM).
  • I am a work group lead for NCETM Maths Hubs across the Midlands: North Midlands (NM) and East Midlands West (EMW). These look at Introductory TfM, Developing Teaching for Mastery, SKTM for TAs and ECTs in the primary/secondary phases, as well as Y5-8 continuity and an Intensive Support Partner (ISP) for Targeted Support in Maths (TSM). A very varied and interesting portfolio!
  • As an associate lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, I work with student teachers at the very start of their careers in teaching as both an academic mentor and lecturer.
  • I deliver mathematics training for Teachers’ Courses and Resources (TCR) in Staffordshire, offering a range of CPD opportunities both face to face and remotely which allows me to work with teachers both in this country and beyond.

I have a real passion for the teaching and learning of mathematics and have had a considerable involvement in teaching mathematics both as a teacher, subject leader and adviser over a long career. My enthusiasm for mathematics is infectious and I have vast experience of working with a variety of stakeholders in schools to guide and inspire the next generation of mathematicians.

A great mix of practical and theoretical. Very useful to those new to teaching and or those feeling. Vanessa so knowledgeable and patient with us and always gets us appreciating a method even if we begin by thinking we don’t like it less confident in mastery.

HT – Tamworth

Thank you for going through these things really thoroughly with us. I had led Maths for a long time but this course and these sessions with you are really helpful and really make me think about what we are doing in school. You have some great ideas and are a font of knowledge for us so thank you.

Subject leader – Chesterfield

Delivered with passion and an empathy for those who may have struggled with fractions at school. Fantastic!

teacher – Stafford

Vanessa has worked with the staff as a whole through delivering continuous professional learning, with our Mathematics leader and with individual teachers to develop their practice.  She is highly skilled, knowledgeable and professional; staff find her approachable and empathetic.  As a result of her work with us, the quality of leadership in mathematics together with the quality of teaching have improved.  We have already commissioned Vanessa for further support, a clear indication of the regard we have for her as a school.

Subject leader