A new book will take readers on a journey through the ups and downs of teaching in the Nepean Valley.
Retired teacher Kevin Radley gives an episodic account of his teaching career, painting a picture for readers with relatable anecdotes in his book, Teacher Fella.
“I think if you take any teacher and ask them about what they’ve been through they would all come up with very peculiar stories,” Radley said.
Teacher Fella is Radley’s second teaching memoir, written to come to terms with leaving a profession he loved.
“When I wrote the first one, it was done with haste, and in hindsight it was pretty much done for therapy I think and to get it out there, but I could’ve done a much better job,” Radley explained.
“That’s where this comes into it – it’s a total rewrite, much more accurate and polished account of a teaching memoir.”
Radley fell into teaching after working jobs that took him all around Australia, including scriptwriting for classic Aussie TV show, ‘Neighbours’.
He explained he always wanted to teach, and western Sydney fit him like a glove.
“I was from inner Sydney, and it is very different, but when I moved west, I think it was a really good fit for me… very earthy qualities of a lot of people that really resonated with me.”
His career saw many proud moments, including working alongside someone he’d taught years prior who struggled with learning difficulties throughout school.
“I knew he went into teaching, and a few years after that, he actually did some casual teaching with us, and he was very, very good,” Radley reminisced.
“I think from his background he developed a real empathy which was a fantastic attribute to have.”
His career also saw many tough moments, including watching students succumb to outside pressures or fall foul of the law.
“I guess the feeling when that happens is a little bit of helplessness despite your best intentions, despite your efforts,” Radley said.
The memoir is described as a tribute to teachers everywhere and can be purchased as an E-book on Amazon or on Radley’s website at http://www.kevinradleyauthor.com.
Ally Hall
Ally Hall joined the Weekender in 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She is a graduate of the University of South Australia.