Peter O'Brien

Dr. Peter O'Brien is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where he serves as Academic Programs Director (Initial Teacher Education). His work focuses on the sociology of education, educational policy, and governmentality, particularly exploring how professional standards, performance management, and policy shape teaching practices. He maintains close ties with the teaching profession through professional networks and advocacy.

• Education: PhD (QUT), MEdSt (UQ), GDTeach (Brisbane College of Adv. Ed.), BA (Griffith University)
• Professional Roles: Member of The Australian Sociological Association (TASA), former secondary school teacher and Head of Department

Dr. O'Brien’s research examines advanced liberalism, Foucauldian governmentality, and the ethical dimensions of teacher professionalism. His recent work includes analyses of verbal conduct in schools, emotional labor in teaching, and the impact of performance metrics on educators. He has contributed to policy submissions addressing school costs and equity in education.

His publications span journals like Education Philosophy and Theory and Linguistics and Education, as well as edited volumes on communication technologies and education. He has supervised doctoral research on language and identity in educational settings.