Teachers Cry Too

by S.K. Webb

What started as a typical weekend took an unexpected turn when the author suffered a paralysing panic attack on a busy Sunshine Coast motorway. Spiralling into emotional chaos, but desperate to protect her professional life, she hid her illness. As her mental health declined, she got lost in a secret that became harder to tell.

Teachers Cry Too explores a teacher's harrowing journey through the emptiness of fear, isolation and shame, and the realisation that the career she blamed for making her sick, also had the power to pull her out of the abyss.

Offering a deeply personal insight into the teaching profession, this is a story of heart, hope and the willingness to fall. Because it is in falling that we find our strength—and give others permission to find theirs.

Genres: Mental Health

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2022

Reviews

[Kathryn O'Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was recommended to me by a colleague. I found it a bit flat, but still readable. It's a personal narrative that reflects on the impact of teaching somewhat, but is more about the author's life in general.

[Matt Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, finding it deeply personal and reflective of my own experiences in the classroom and in school leadership over more than a decade. The author adeptly captures the overwhelming demands that have intensified for teachers in recent years, while also highlighting the profound rewards of the profession. Many of the stories resonated with me. Though the narrative was at times saddening and somewhat depressing, it was ultimately uplifting and entertaining, offering a genuine look at the realities of life as a teacher.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author writes well, and she skillfully pulls open the curtains on the world of teaching in a way I could relate to. As a teacher with PTSD, I was seeking connection, through story, with other teachers who have experienced trauma related to our occupation. This story, while not exploring quite as much as I'd hoped about mental health, was quite impactful. It was a nice balance between why teachers do what they do and how much we sacrifice in order to continue doing it.

[Mrs DeLynne W. Wight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving, personal story

Highly recommended for teachers not young and not so young. Those who love the profession and those who are wondering why they’re still teaching. I bought paper copies for my American teaching family, as it offers a glimpse into Australian life.

[Stephanie Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teacher myself, I felt with Sue in her every word. A heartfelt and accurate representation of the highs and lows of the profession. Stand out final chapter summing up my feelings exactly.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brave and insightful memoir with memorable anecdotes and spirited arguments for the enduring beauty and many challenges of being a teacher.

[Sonia Vine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story.