First and foremost Mike is a teacher having taught in secondary schools for 18 years, most recently as a secondary Head.

Indeed, anyone who has read his books or attended one of his training sessions can immediately see that he has spent a considerable amount of time in the classroom. Not surprisingly, he has a widespread reputation for being both practical and realistic.

In addition to teaching, Mike has also found time to:

• work in an advisory capacity for Gloucestershire LEA (he was seconded for one day a week to advise on learning and teaching)

• be a PGCE course leader

• be a witness for the National Commission on Education

• train as an OFSTED inspector [but has never inspected!]

• work as an NPQH trainer

• facilitate on the New Visions programme for recently appointed head teachers

• write an extensive range of educational publications and resources

• provide training and support to hundreds of schools and thousands of teachers both in the United Kingdom and abroad.

For many years he managed to combine his training and writing activities with his own teaching career. He now works full-time as an educational author/trainer supporting individuals and organisations in the drive to improve learning.