Trapped in Education isn’t just another book about teaching. It’s a deeply personal and candid story of what it’s really like to stand at the front of the classroom while quietly falling apart behind the scenes. Written by Sheetal Smith-Batish, an educator with over two decades of experience, this memoir pulls back the curtain on the often-overlooked mental health struggles teachers face every day.
A Career of Passion—and Pressure
For years, Sheetal flourished in the fast-paced world of education, juggling roles as a classroom teacher, senior leader, and mentor. Her story takes readers from vibrant city schools in London to quiet village classrooms in the countryside. But while her passion for teaching never wavered, the toll it took on her mind and body tells a different story.
The book dives into the relentless demands of teaching—long hours, mounting administrative duties, and the emotional weight of shaping young minds. And then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which, for Sheetal, became the breaking point. Isolated during pregnancy, coping with the fears of a global crisis, and returning to an overwhelming workload, she found herself battling burnout, dissociation, and what doctors described as a “broken brain.”
More Than Just Burnout
What makes Trapped in Education so compelling is how it doesn’t shy away from the harder topics. Sheetal shares her experiences with microaggressions and racism as a woman of Indian heritage navigating predominantly white spaces. From parents questioning her qualifications to colleagues making her feel like an outsider, these moments add another layer to her mental health struggles.
And yet, despite everything, she continued to push herself—leading school inspections, spearheading curriculum reforms, and raising her children. But eventually, the strain caught up. The book offers an unflinching account of what it feels like to hit rock bottom, including auditory hallucinations, panic attacks, and the disorienting fog of PTSD.
A Journey of Healing and Hope
What makes this book more than just a memoir of hardship is its focus on recovery. Sheetal takes readers along as she pieces her life back together, one step at a time. Therapy, support groups, spiritual healing, and the unwavering love of family and friends play a central role in her journey.
The book also highlights the power of community. Sheetal credits local women’s support groups, compassionate leaders, and even small acts of kindness from strangers for helping her find her way back. Her experience is a poignant reminder that no one should face mental health challenges alone.
A Call to Action for Education and Beyond
Trapped in Education isn’t just for teachers. It’s for anyone who has ever felt the weight of expectations, the sting of discrimination, or the overwhelming need to simply stop and breathe. Sheetal uses her story to spark a larger conversation about mental health in the workplace, the emotional toll of caregiving professions, and the systemic changes needed to support those who give so much of themselves to others.
Her honesty will resonate with educators facing similar struggles, parents wondering about the hidden lives of their children’s teachers, and leaders rethinking how to prioritize mental wellbeing in their institutions.
Why This Book Matters
At its core, Trapped in Education is a story of resilience. It’s about how one woman learned to navigate life’s darkest moments and emerged stronger—not unscathed, but unbroken. It’s a reminder that recovery isn’t linear, and that sometimes the bravest thing a person can do is admit they need help. Sheetal invites readers to look beyond the image of the “perfect teacher” and into the complex, human reality of those shaping the next generation. It’s raw. It’s honest. And it’s a book that will leave readers thinking long after they’ve turned the last page.
About the Author:
Sheetal is a teacher, leader, and advocate for mental health awareness. With over 20 years in education, she brings a wealth of experience and insight to her writing. Trapped in Education is her first book and a testament to her strength and courage in the face of adversity.
Sheetal Smith-Batish, Trapped in Education
For inquiries, contact: sheetalsmith@hotmail.co.uk
