“We need more boy teachers!”

Daughter’s statement prompts Brent to take up teaching

It’s Canada, in the freezing cold, and a long line of people are waiting to pay their respects at a funeral. The funeral is for Brent O’Brien’s father. The image of that line is still vivid, now more than 20 years later, as Brent reflects on his father’s occupation as a teacher and principal. “He changed lives for the better.”

Although he’d considered it, Brent never committed to teaching as a career. Instead, he became a successful businessman, working for almost two decades in Asia, Canada and Australia for a multinational financial information company. Money became the focus. “Money’s important, of course, but it’s not the most important thing in the world.” Eventually, Brent got to a point where he wanted to give back after feeling like he’d been “kind of selfish.”

One chance conversation—and a second cute one—convinced Brent he could give back through teaching. The chance conversation came during a catch up with a principal friend who recommended Brent give it a try. The second cute prompt came from his young daughter. After telling him all about her favourite male teacher, she simply said, “We need more boy teachers!”

If he was going to pursue teaching, Brent wanted to “help kids learn in a happy and supportive way.” Hearing a recent graduate speak highly of her experience, Brent began a Master of Teaching at Avondale. “It’s a hands-on university where you can approach your lecturers and they care about how you’re doing.”

Like many people who come back to study as mature-age students, Brent is honest about the challenges it brings. He has to balance family, work, study and other commitments. “That’s where Avondale’s good for the spiritual side. The lecturers will often have a prayer before each lecture and sometimes you’ll think, This is well timed.”

While completing his Master of Teaching, Brent is working as a learning support officer. He finds the study helps him in the classroom. “I did a unit in special needs, and straight away I started using some of the things I learned.”

From being a manager in a multinational company to explaining concepts to children, Brent is now giving back. “I’m enjoying learning new things in a career I’m passionate about.”