From Teacher to Author

I have always been passionate about teaching. For two decades, I dedicated my life to nurturing young minds, guiding them through the labyrinth of education and instilling a love for learning. My classroom was more than just a place of instruction; it was a sanctuary where I was inspired, motivated and sometimes even healed. Yet, beneath my composed exterior, I harboured another passion—writing.

From a young age, I found solace in the written word. Journals filled with my thoughts, short stories and poems were my private treasures, but my career and responsibilities often kept me from pursuing this love further. Teaching was fulfilling, yet it demanded all my time and energy, leaving little room for my creative aspirations.

However, life has a way of steering us back to our true paths, often through the most unexpected circumstances. For me, it was a mental breakdown that became the catalyst for change. The pressures of teaching, coupled with personal struggles, culminated in a period of profound crisis. It was during this dark time that I turned to writing, not as a hobby, but as a means of survival.

Writing became my therapy. Every word I penned was a step towards healing, every page a journey towards understanding herself. The process of articulating my thoughts and emotions helped me make sense of the chaos within. I wrote about my experiences, my struggles, and my reflections on the education system—an environment I knew so well, yet had never scrutinized with such depth.

As I healed, my writing took shape into something more substantial—a book. “Trapped in Education” is not just a memoir; it is an exploration of the education system from the perspective of a seasoned teacher who has seen its triumphs and failings. It delves into the pressures faced by educators, the systemic issues that often go unnoticed and the personal toll that teaching can take on an individual. It is my autobiography in which I describe being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, amnesia, dissociation and depression. It is also about my recovery: spiritual healing and awakening, talking therapy and hypnotherapy.

My journey from teacher to author was not a planned transition but, rather an organic evolution born out of necessity. “Trapped in Education”, is set to be published this summer, marking a new chapter in my life. The book is expected to resonate with many, offering insights and provoking thought among educators, parents, and anyone interested in the dynamics of the education system.

As I prepare for the release of my first book, I reflect on my journey with a sense of fulfilment and purpose. Teaching will always be a part of who I am, but writing has given me a new avenue to influence and inspire. Through my words, I hope to shed light on the complexities of education, encourage dialogue, and perhaps, bring about change.

My story is a testament to the power of resilience and the therapeutic potential of creative expression. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, our greatest struggles can lead to our most profound achievements. My book launch this summer is not just a personal milestone but a beacon of hope for others who find themselves trapped in their circumstances, showing that there is always a way out, and sometimes, that way is through the very passions we put aside.

The author

Sheetal Smith-Batish

Sheetal is an experienced education leader in the Primary education sector. She has worked in a variety of settings in London in different leadership roles and has completed programmes such as the National Qualification for Headship. She has been responsible for many curriculum areas including English, RSE and Assessment and is currently working as an Assistant Headteacher in a secondary school and is interested in becoming involved in Further Education. As well as promoting diversity, equality and mental health, she has always been invested and successful at driving school improvement, curriculum design and achieving the best pupil outcomes through Carol Dweck’s growth mindset approach. She now lives and teaches in Oxfordshire.