Analysing the extent and severity of HIV/AIDS among educators without looking at the broader context within which schools operate provides only a partial understanding of the immense challenges facing the education sector in South Africa. This study examines material issues affecting the quality of teaching and learning in our schools, both within and external to the classroom environment. The findings reveal significant disparities in conditions, both within and between provinces. Compounded by the effects of ill health related to HIV/AIDS, these disparities are likely to hamper any efforts to improve the quality of teaching and learning in South African public schools and, therefore, require serious attention.