What the Experts say
about Erika's Work
“Erika's book is a profound exploration of the challenges and triumphs of teaching, particularly in the uniquely demanding South African context. Rooted in personal experience and extensive research, the book delves into the systemic and socio-economic factors contributing to teacher burnout while offering a path forward through the science of positive psychology. By introducing validated well-being practices, Erika empowers educators to not only manage stress but also thrive amidst adversity. Her approach is both practical and inspiring, encouraging teachers to adopt a mindset of growth and resilience. This book serves as a guide to transforming the teaching profession into one that prioritises both personal well-being and professional impact.”
Maanda NkhumeleniClinical Psychologist & PhD Candidate
“Finally! The book every teacher needs - written by a teacher. I'm so excited to see such a valuable resource go where it's really needed. What would we do without teachers? Having been an educator myself for high school - and now in adult education - I can confirm that it's one of the toughest, most challenging jobs. Shaping our future generations is also one of the most important jobs, yet teachers do not always get the support they need and burn-out is very real. Thank you Erika for publishing this. I hope every teacher gets a copy.”
Trudi du ToitTrudi du Toit & Associates - Provides services - Change Management, Corporate Training, Executive Coaching, Interview Preparation, Leadership Development, Negotiation, Public Speaking, Training
"It’s a great pleasure Erika Engelbrecht - Aldworth your meaningful and timely work needs to find presence in our schools and school leaders needed your wisdom on what makes schools a place of care. I appreciate that you made the time to share with us and I’m looking forward to more engagement on this important work "
Prof. Kat Yassim1st degree connection1st Professor @ University of Johannesburg | Thought Leader and expert in the area of Sustainability Leadership
“Erika Engelbrecht-Aldworth delivers a transformative resource that addresses one of the most pressing challenges in education today—teacher burnout. With deep empathy and a wealth of expertise, Erika blends the science of positive psychology with the lived realities of South African educators, offering actionable strategies for resilience and renewal. This work is not only a guide but a lifeline, empowering teachers to thrive amidst the complexities of their profession"
Dr.(h.c) Khomotšo Malete-MashalaneCEO-HR Function, Delegate and Executive- Global Chamber of Business Leaders-South Africa
“Erika has tackled a much-needed issue amongst the myriad of other restorative challenges in South Africa: the overwhelming context of providing quality education and the deleterious effects on those navigating these challenges, particularly teacher burnout. She explicates practical ways of addressing teacher well-being using
strategies from positive psychology. Erika is to be congratulated on a comprehensive exposition on a very important matter—well done.”
Andrew J. JohnsonAffiliate Professor in Industrial Psychology, UFS, and Founder of the Institute for Leadership Action
"Erika endeavours with her passion for excellence and support to provide an answer to multiple heart cries. In this book, she delivers a strong source of much needed information to equip, to enrich and to provide practical outcomes."
Dr. Gerdi van den BergAuthor of ‘A Change of Heart” and “Reset your Legacy” BSc in Biochemistry and Psychology (UOVS and UNISA) BSc Hons in Psychology (US), Masters and PhD at Trinity University PhD in Socio Cognitive Neuroscience: field, i.e. Sociology and Interdisciplinary Studies Registered as a NHP, Biomedical Practitioner in 2007 Reg no: 6602441, specialising in Counselling
“Erika's book is a profound exploration of the challenges and triumphs of teaching, particularly in the uniquely demanding South African context. Rooted in personal experience and extensive research, the book delves into the systemic and socio-economic factors contributing to teacher burnout while offering a path forward through the science of positive psychology. By introducing validated well-being practices, Erika empowers educators to not only manage stress but also thrive amidst adversity. Her approach is both practical and inspiring, encouraging teachers to adopt a mindset of growth and resilience. This book serves as a guide to transforming the teaching profession into one that prioritises both personal well-being and professional impact.”
Maanda Nkhumeleni Clinical Psychologist & PhD Candidate
“Erika Engelbrecht-Aldworth's passion for education and educators shines through each written word. “Being Well While Teaching: A Comprehensive Evidence Based Well-being Guide for South African Teachers” explores challenges experienced by educators, importantly providing evidenced based strategies to protect wellbeing while building resilience. The nature of education is that educators give their all, very often not taking a moment to think about themselves. Therefore, teachers burn out is a problem throughout the world at all levels of education. This book, I believe, could become an important global resource to support the wellbeing of all teachers, which inevitably will enhance the quality of education provided to all students. Erika, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you for your contribution to Education, well done!”
Leone' Cook MClinEd, Lecturer in Adult Nursing, Nursing Degree Apprenticeship Course Director University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
Erika Engelbrecht-Aldworth’s book, “Being Well While Teaching: A Comprehensive Evidence Based Well-being Guide for South African Teachers”, is a practical guide that speaks directly to the challenges teachers face in South Africa. With a deep understanding of the profession and the science of positive psychology, she offers powerful strategies to help teachers prioritize their well-being. This book is not just about surviving in the classroom—it’s about thriving, growing, and finding joy in teaching despite the odds. Erika’s insights and lived experience make this an essential resource for every teacher who wants to keep going with purpose and passion.”
Amber SmithFounder and Executive Director Evolving in Education Muscle Shoals, Alabama, United States
"Educators often forget the importance of nurturing themselves as they are serving their students.However, Erika Engelbrecht-Aldworth offers a powerful reminder: teacher’s well-being is the cornerstone of their ability to empower and inspire students. Furthermore, she invites teachers to prioritise self-care, so that they can be able to perform well in their professional roles. "
Maleka-Mmako Director of Social Service SA
Erika offers not just a guide, but a lifeline. Erika’s voice resonates with authenticity and wisdom, inspiring us all to be the change we wish to see in the world. I celebrate Erika’s remarkable contribution, a gift to educators in SA. May this book serve as a guiding light for those dedicated to shaping futures while nurturing their own.” Alison Chiwara FRSA Human Focused Ltd Corporate Mental Health & Business Consultant,UN Women UK Delegate 2024, Motivational Speaker, ForbesBLK, Talk Talk women In Tech Nominee, , Passionate about Empowerment, Education and EDI, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom “Erika’s work champions teacher well-being as the game-changer for the quality crisis in education sector, offering a timely boost towards achieving SDG4.”
Omuthe RonaldDoctoral Researcher, University of Cambridge and Education in Crisis Expert
“Erika Engelbrecht-Aldworth is a qualified teacher who has experience in public and private schools through tertiary education institutions. She has continued to expand her qualifications in several fields. Erika is the founder of SATWI – South African Teacher Well-Being Initiative and The Well-being Initiative Pty. (Ltd.). Through the establishment of this SATWI, it is evident that she has a passion for helping and improving the lives of teachers. Erika’s new book called: “Being Well While Teaching” is a much-needed resource for anyone in the teaching profession. "
Dr Jane UsherProgramme Co-ordinator (MBA) – Boston City Campus H. Dip Ed (Wits), Diploma in Remedial Education (RAU), B.Ed. Honours (UJ), Masters in Personal, Interpersonal and Professional Leadership (UJ) and D.Phil. – Leadership, Performance and Change (UJ)
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