In a remarkable display of perseverance and dedication, Dr Annalize Gouws, the principal of Laerskool Ermelo, has earned her PhD in Education while balancing her full-time role as a principal, alongside being a devoted wife and mother. Her doctoral thesis, titled “Evaluation of a Structured Phonics Programme to Assist with Reading Acquisition in Grade 1 English Submersion Classrooms,” is a groundbreaking contribution to educational research, specifically aimed at improving literacy outcomes for English second language learners in South African classrooms.
Dr Gouws shared her journey with colleagues last week during break time, reflecting on the challenges of balancing her personal and professional life while pursuing her PhD. As the head of a busy school, she navigated the challenges of leading Laerskool Ermelo while dedicating her evenings, weekends, and even holidays to her academic work. Despite the immense workload, she persevered, successfully managing the responsibilities of her professional life while also raising a family.
Her academic journey began in 2004, right after matriculating the previous year from Hoërskool Ermelo, when she started her career at Laerskool Ermelo and simultaneously pursued her undergraduate degree, which she completed cum laude. This set the foundation for what would become a 15-year educational journey, marked by milestones of excellence. After earning her honours degree in Educational Psychology in 2009 and taking a brief break to focus on her family, she resumed her studies, completing her master’s degree in 2017, also with distinction.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Gouws took on the immense challenge of pursuing her PhD. In her thesis, she developed a structured phonics programme aimed at enhancing reading acquisition for Grade 1 learners in English submersion classrooms, an area of great importance in the South African educational landscape. Her research demonstrated the benefits of implementing phonics programmes for English second language learners, providing critical insights and recommendations for the national curriculum.
In her speech, Dr Gouws touched on the concept of “authentic living,” a theme that guided her throughout her journey. “Living authentically means that you live according to the values and beliefs that you hold most dear,” she said. This philosophy helped her stay true to herself during the challenges she faced, while also reminding her to remain open about the struggles. “Sometimes sharing our imperfections and admitting to struggles can help us and those around us to find strength,” she reflected.
Throughout this time, Dr Gouws continued her role as principal of Laerskool Ermelo, inspiring both her colleagues and students. Known for her tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to education, she is a role model to many, proving that dedication to one’s passion and profession can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Her perseverance, faith, and discipline paid off when she finally received her PhD in 2024, a remarkable achievement that serves as an inspiration to both her colleagues and students. In concluding her speech, she expressed deep gratitude to her staff for their unwavering support during this challenging period. She acknowledged the understanding and patience they showed when times were tough, noting how much their encouragement meant to her throughout the process.
Dr Annalize Gouws’s achievement is an extraordinary example of what can be accomplished through determination and the support of family, community, and colleagues. Her PhD not only stands as a personal triumph but also as a beacon of inspiration for educators and learners alike, demonstrating that with the right mindset, any goal—no matter how ambitious—can be reached.
