Influential Woman · Education

Juanita Hall

Retired Educator, Outreach Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Retired

Lafayette, LA

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education from University of Louisiana at Lafayette Degree Graduate Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University Cert K-12 Certified Educator Member Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana Member South Louisiana Christian Women's Association (Board of Directors) Member Acadiana Ecumenical Choir Member Gospel Music Workshop of America

Her Story

About Juanita

I spent 32 years as an educator, retiring as a band director. Even in retirement, I continue to serve the school system I retired from on a part-time basis. I work as an outreach coordinator and education coordinator for my church, where I reach out to schools and communities in need. My main areas of expertise are education and motivational speaking. Beyond being a mother, I'm most proud to be an advocate for education. I believe in the 99% rule - 99% of what comes to students has nothing to do with them, but 99% of what teachers do has everything to do with them. I tell young educators to make their classroom the best home they can for kids, because for many children, that might be the only place they feel valued and loved. I've been blessed with supportive parents, a community of teachers who were there for me, and a church family that never turned their back on me. I attribute my success to God first, my parents, and that community of support that carried me through difficult times.

Quick Facts

IndustryEducation
Based inLafayette, LA
Specialty Education, Motivational Speaking, Band Direction
Volunteers with Partnership with Department of Children and Family Services for foster families
- Miles Correct Cancer Center support
- Toiletries
- Socks and undies for elementary schools
- Clothing donations to Christian Center for homeless
- Food ministry outreach to shut-in and financially limited individuals

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Juanita

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to God first. My parents were behind me and supported me throughout my journey. I was blessed to have a community of teachers who were literally there for me and did not turn their back on me. My college band director, who passed away a few weeks ago, was incredibly supportive. When my parents lost their house in a fire, he called me in, sat me down, and after I was crying, he said, 'Now, Juanita, tell me what I need to do to help you.' My church family was also there for me and never turned their back on me. You need a church family, not the false preachers, but a real community of support. That foundation of faith, family, and community is what carried me through and made me who I am today.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would tell them to be prepared. I have a 99% rule that I share with teachers: 99% of what comes to you has nothing to do with you, but 99% of what you do has everything to do with you. When those children come to you, you can't control their home life. But when they come to your room, that might be the only home that they get. That's the only place that they'll feel like home. Even when it's difficult and you have to be that school mama, they can say, when I come in this room, I'm valued and I'm loved, even when I'm a hot mess. Let your kids know that you're not perfect every day. Stuff goes on, and it happens. Don't try to control the home. Try to make your classroom the best home you can make it for the kids. That 99% is really and truly a lot, but that's what matters.

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