As South Africa marks Teacher Appreciation Month, Woodhill College executive head Phillipa Erasmus reflects on a career spanning decades and the transformative impact of the classroom.

Erasmus believes the best teachers do far more than deliver a curriculum.

She says she has always been motivated by the opportunity to influence young minds, ‘not only through imparting knowledge, but more importantly, by helping them shape their lives so that they can find their niche and succeed in the future’.

Erasmus took up the role at the Curro Select school in Pretoria East on July 1.

She previously spent eight years as principal of Pretoria High School for Girls, her alma mater, where she led a turnaround that saw applications consistently far exceed the school’s capacity.

Career dedicated to education

She began her career in 1985 as a mathematics teacher.

She progressed to head of department and senior deputy principal at Carleton Jones High School in Carletonville, where she ran a mining-sponsored centre of excellence for mathematics, physical science and English.

She later became deputy principal and head of boarding at Cornwall Hill College.

She received National Teachers Awards for excellence in teaching and leadership in 2002, 2005 and 2006, and has served as president of the South African Girls’ Schools Association since 2021.

The classroom still shapes how she leads. Her leadership style is built on mentorship, lifelong learning and listening.

Erasmus said the opportunity to work with ‘rough diamonds’ and help shape them showed her the difference a teacher can make.

”I believe that every member of a team has something to offer, regardless of their experience, and that good ideas can come from anyone.”

Leadership and vision for Woodhill

At Woodhill, she wants to build on the school’s strengths and create an even stronger sense of belonging across all grades, from age three (preschool) to Grade 12.

”Staff are already contributing ideas on how to bring the different phases of the school closer together,” Erasmus said.

She added that she hopes to build on the school’s arts offering, including drama, design, music and dance, while strengthening Woodhill’s position as a school of choice for families in the area.

Her advice to young teachers is to find someone they trust and can learn from.

”A mentor can offer a different perspective and help them see things they may not see themselves,” she said. ”Do not hold back. You are better than you think.”

Away from school, Erasmus enjoys family life as a wife, mother of three and grandmother of three. She also loves spending time in the bush, where she can slow down and recharge.

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