Michael O'Keeffe | Deputy Principal (Learning and Teaching)
John Paul College

Michael is an educational leader with over two decades of experience in senior leadership roles and currently holds the position of Deputy Principal of Learning and Teaching at John Paul College in Frankston, Melbourne. With a proven track record of inspiring teams and instigating positive transformations, he has previously held roles including Director of College and Community Engagement and Head of Learning. Michael's educational philosophy is deeply rooted in applied learning, fostering diverse pathways, and creating a supportive learning environment. He champions an approach that encourages students to explore, experiment, and tackle challenges head-on, with the overarching goal of nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and community engagement. By creating a supportive classroom ambiance, Michael empowers students to unlock their full potential, preparing them to become proactive, empathetic citizens equipped for life beyond secondary school. Passionate about leveraging artificial intelligence to redefine student assessment in secondary classrooms, Michael's practical leadership style and commitment to continuous improvement provide a unique perspective for our panel discussion on the future of education.