Vince O’Brien
Lecturer
I am a retired headteacher now working across the teacher training programmes as a Senior Lecturer to give the best support to our students in becoming great teachers.
I am working at Chester University as I want to use my experiences to encourage and support a new wave of teachers into the profession, with a particular desire to encourage diversity of background, need and presentation to provide positive role models for our children. As a Free Schools meal child myself, this is a particular passion for me – part of my time is spent volunteering with a local charity who work with vulnerable familes.
I love teaching at the University and enjoy the interaction with the students, both in lectures and as support during placement. I work closely with the Partnership team on maintaining strong relationships with our schools and the Wider Participation group to encourage diversity in the profession.
I have worked in schools since 1984, as a teacher, leader and Headteacher. My work has included teaching children from 3-18 from London, the Midlands and the North West, in urban and rural schools, affluent areas and challenging schools. I was a Headteacher for 16 years at three schools in Shropshire and Cheshire and supported other schools in that role. My last Headship was in Chester – a culturally diverse school which I love and still volunteer at!
I have been involved in research on the effects of Long Covid in teaching.
I am at the beginning of my time in further education and hope to be published in the future.
BA (Hons), PGCE, NPQH, LLE.