Kevin O’Brien
Senior Educator, School Leadership Advisor
BTh, Sydney University · Grad Dip Ed, Murdoch University · 20+ years in school education
Kevin has gravitated with a passion toward leadership and teaching situations from a young age, whether it be in learning, business or on the sports field. A strong spiritual search culminated in him achieving a Bachelor of Theology from Sydney University through the Churches of Christ Theological College of NSW, along with a four-year Diploma in Ministry. This further led Kevin to direct his focus toward primary and secondary school teaching by achieving a Graduate Diploma in Education from Murdoch University in Perth, WA.
Kevin has over two decades of experience in school education, having worked across regional and city schools and colleges, in both the government and private sectors. His experience extends to educational organisation, administration and management, with promotions to Head of Department, Deputy and Acting Principal positions, along with many registrations and professional development certifications.
Kevin believes education starts with a purpose. Once the ‘why’ is clear, most other obstacles are overcome. This is the significant difference between child and adult education: adults will take on learning programs that they have a purpose for, whereas children are generally stuck in a ‘purposeless’ traditional school system that requires a great teacher — through instructional relationships and exceptional programming — to help young minds find their purpose. In any context, the best teachers clearly build a bridge between learning and purpose for outstanding results and outcomes. “If I can show you ‘why,’ then I can teach you ‘how.’”
Fun fact · Outside the classroom, Kevin has a soft spot for biscuits and chips. If there are biscuits lying around, they won’t last long!