#131: 4 sobering statistics that prove that teaching is the hardest, and most important job in the world.

The Unteachables Podcast

TW: Mention of self-harm and suicide

Ever left school feeling completely wrung out, wondering if you’re even cut out for this job?

Same. And in this episode, I’m opening the curtain on one of the most raw, real reflections I’ve ever shared—because I know I’m not the only one who’s felt that way.

This one’s a mix of real talk, sobering stats, and a whole lotta love for you and the incredible, emotional, life-changing work you do every single day.

I’m giving you a front seat to the moment I sat in a seminar sobbing into my notebook, while simultaneously remembering why I started The Unteachables in the first place. The mental health stats? They’re scary. But they also confirmed something I’ve always known in my bones:

Teaching is the hardest job in the world.
And it’s also the most important.

I’m also finally sharing something I’ve never opened up about publicly before: the burnout, the breakdown, the toxic school environment that almost broke me, and why I had to take stress leave even when I felt too guilty to go.

But more importantly, I’m walking you through WHY this matters for you and how the “tiny” choices you make—moment to moment—can literally change a student’s brain.

Let’s roll the tape.

What you'll hear:

• The statistics that will stop you in your tracks—and how it impacts every classroom
• Why 47% of Aussie teachers consider quitting within their first year (spoiler: it’s not just the workload)
• The one thing I said to my Year 10s before taking mental health leave—and why it mattered
• What emotional literacy and co-regulation actually look like in a regular, chaotic school day
• How tiny moments of connection can shift brain chemistry (yes, literally)
• Why your role is even more powerful than you think—and how to honour it without burning out

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT:

• Shop all resources
• Join The Behaviour Club
• My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management
• The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website

Chapters

1. Welcome to the Unteachables Podcast (00:00:00)

2. The Resilience Project Seminar (00:01:31)

3. Sobering Mental Health Statistics (00:04:08)

4. Teaching: Hardest Yet Most Important Job (00:09:38)

5. Teacher Mental Health Crisis (00:13:37)

6. My Personal Burnout Story (00:17:26)

7. Modelling Self-Care for Students (00:22:44)

8. Closing Thoughts on Connection (00:25:04)