Popular Sheffield teacher fought his way back from Covid-19 to release book about his 40-year career

Alex Dowling taught in 52 Sheffield schools in over 40 years

After four decades spent teaching in a record 52 of Sheffield schools, the 78-year-old former teacher decided the time had come to tell his story, and he set about writing a book.

But weeks before its launch, Alex contracted Covid-19, and for a while it seemed that what was supposed to be his literary debut could indeed end up being his epitaph.

“I’d spent months gearing up to launch my book when I suddenly found, in November, I’d contracted Covid-19,” said Alex.

"The virus became very serious very quickly and I was rushed into hospital where I stayed for three weeks.

"If I hadn’t been admitted when I did, I was told I’d have died.

"I spent four days in intensive care, and it was touch and go for many days.

"I have to say a huge thank you to the amazing NHS staff that looked after me.”

Now recovering at home, and while still working on gaining his strength, Alex has finally launched his book: ‘40 Years of Memories at the Chalkface.’

It maps his career, which he reveals centred around his determination not to employ the same ‘force feeding’ methods of education he’d endured in his own schooling in the 1950s.

The book featured stories, anecdotes, and collections of comments from students, colleagues and peers.

During his 40-year career, Alex became an inspiration for thousands of pupils across Sheffield, including Walt Collins, one of Australia’s most popular lifestyle gurus and one of the teacher’s former pupils.

Walt said: “Alex Dowling should take enormous credit for helping me to change, shape and direct my life into the success that I am so grateful for today.

"He never just ‘turned up for school’ to teach, he became invested in your life, in your well-being and in your future.

“I have a lot to thank Mr D for - a truly influential human at the centre of education in Sheffield.

"This book is a great collection of his career stories.”

’40 Years of Memories at the Chalkface’ is available now from www.alexdowling.co.uk priced at £9.95.