The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA) has appointed Waanyi man Jesse King as chief executive, succeeding co-founder Professor Chris Matthews.
King’s appointment took effect on 28 September, ATSIMA said. He began his career as a mathematics teacher in the Northern Territory and served as ATSIMA’s board chair from 2024 to 2026.
ATSIMA describes itself as Australia’s leading national Indigenous organisation working exclusively to transform mathematics education for First Nations young people through culture, history and community knowledge.
From classroom to chief executive
King was most recently head of impact and data at the Aurora Education Foundation, where ATSIMA said he led major research and impact initiatives alongside significant government and philanthropic partnerships. Before that, he was chief of impact at the Stronger Smarter Institute.
ATSIMA’s board profile also notes that he contributed to CSIRO’s National Indigenous STEM project, designing and delivering culturally responsive programs for middle years students.
“There is nothing like ATSIMA in Australia,” King said. “It bridges the knowledges, cultures and strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners with the huge potential of mathematics education, and I am excited to be part of the organisation’s next chapter.”
Professor Matthews will remain with the organisation as industry professor, providing expert advice on culturally responsive mathematics education and leading strategic priority projects. He became CEO in 2024 after chairing the board, according to an ATSIMA statement. The same statement announced a national summit with the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers to develop a commitment statement and action plan on Indigenous mathematics education.
“Jesse brings a strong commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and a deep understanding of ATSIMA’s work,” Professor Matthews said. “I am pleased to welcome him into the CEO role and look forward to seeing the organisation continue to grow under his leadership.”
King has previously set out his thinking on the work. When he became chair in 2024, he said ATSIMA’s approach is founded on the belief that “our people are mathematicians and are immersed in complex mathematical concepts”. He also said ATSIMA’s next phase would involve challenging the deficit discourse that continues to pervade mathematics and Indigenous education initiatives.
Why it matters for educators
The change comes as First Nations numeracy results move in different directions. Federal government figures show average numeracy scores for First Nations students have risen by 9.6 points in Year 5 and 9.4 points in Year 7 since 2023. Year 7 students in very remote communities improved by 17 points.
Gaps remain, however. About one in three Indigenous students needed additional support in reading and numeracy in this year’s NAPLAN, compared with fewer than one in 10 non-Indigenous students. The Educator also reported a second consecutive rise in Indigenous students reaching the “Exceeding” level in numeracy in Years 7 and 9. Year 3 moved the other way: the national average numeracy score was the lowest since 2023.
For school leaders, curriculum designers and teacher educators, ATSIMA’s programs are one avenue for responding. They include professional learning, culturally responsive mathematics resources, STEM camps, and leadership schools. The BHP Foundation also lists ATSIMA in its Education Development Fund, where the group is piloting a community-designed, culturally grounded mathematics curriculum in two remote secondary schools. ATSIMA is also accepting abstracts for its 2027 conference.
King discussed the appointment on NITV Radio last week. ATSIMA has not outlined changes to its programs or priorities under his leadership.