James O'Brien University of Edinburgh, UK

Jim O'Brien was a secondary school teacher of history and a Principal Teacher (Guidance), teaching in comprehensive schools in the west of Scotland, before taking up a career in higher education. He then worked in St Andrew's College of Education, Glasgow as lecturer, Director of In-Service, and Assistant Principal (Educational Development). Appointed to Moray House Institute of Education in 1993 as Vice Principal, he became the permanent Vice Dean of the Moray House Faculty/School of Education in 1998 when the Institute merged with the University of Edinburgh. He was also Director of the Centre for Educational Leadership (CEL) and Head of School from 2007 in The Moray House School of Education, The University of Edinburgh. He held a personal Chair in Leadership and Professional Learning until 30th September 2009 when he retired. He continues to research, write, lecture and offer consultancy in an Emeritus capacity.