Keith Ballard a Music Teacher at Southwest Middle School and Launch Virtual Academy was recently selected as only one of five teachers in the United States to be inducted into the 2024 National Teachers Hall of Fame.

Ballard learned of the honor during a surprise announcement in his classroom on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Southwest Middle School where he has taught since 1998. He is the ninth California teacher to be inducted into the hall of fame. He joins Robert Bruesch, Susie Haas, Alan Haskvitz, Christine Lungren-Maddalone, Larry Statler, Bradley Upshaw, Sergio de Alba and the late Jaime Escalante.
Although passionate about being a music teacher, Ballard went a different direction in college. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communication from Arizona State University. After working three years in sales, Ballard finally followed his dream. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in instrumental music from Arizona State University, followed by a Master of Arts degree from San Diego State University.

Ballard is a lifelong learner, traveling the world to learn best practices that he brings back to his own classroom. He quickly learned that embracing his students’ culture would help them find success. With a large Latino population in his school, Ballard started a mariachi band program in 1999.

This drive to learn more for his students and leading by example is what sets Ballard apart, according to Dr. Jesus Ulloa-Higuera, principal of Launch Virtual Academy in the Sweetwater Union High School District.

“Currently Keith serves in dual roles, at both Southwest Middle, a high-poverty Latino school located just minutes away from the San Diego international border and Tijuana, Mexico, and at Launch Virtual Academy, the first online school in the Sweetwater District,” said Dr. Jesus Ulloa-Higuera. “This illustrates this teacher’s unyielding spirit of creativity, innovation and his commitment to driving transformative change. Through cultural music, particularly Mariachi Music, this teacher has made an indelible impact on thousands of students and their families.” Founded in 1989 on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, the National Teachers Hall of Fame has inducted five U.S. teachers each year since 1992.

“The selection process is inherently challenging,” shared Maddie Fennell, Acting Executive Director of NTHF. “Every year, we are astounded by the caliber of nominees we receive.”

Fennell continued, “Keith’s tireless dedication to fostering student engagement through music has transcended boundaries, resonating not just within his district, but echoing nationwide. With visits to 20 countries and interactions with over 170 high schools, he has shared invaluable insights through various publications. His remarkable endeavors have not only enhanced academic achievement across disciplines but also revitalized parental involvement.

The NTHF Class of 2024 will travel to Washington, D.C., in early May for ceremonies there. They will travel to Emporia, Kansas, in June for four days of events before the formal induction ceremony on June 21 at Emporia State University.

Ervin Hernandez, the head football coach at Sweetwater High School, has been honored as the San Diego County Model Coach of the Year. With four seasons under his belt as the head coach and a remarkable fifteen-year tenure in high school football coaching, Hernandez has consistently demonstrated his leadership and dedication. Additionally, he is currently serving his third year as the Athletic Director at Sweetwater High School.

“Coach Hernandez’s leadership as the football coach and athletic director at Sweetwater High School is truly exemplary,” said Alex Estrada, SUHSD Coordinator of Athletics and Metro Conference President. “His coaching philosophy, centered around trustworthiness, respect, and genuine care for everyone, has created a positive and inclusive team culture. By instilling values of mutual respect, sportsmanship, and character in his players, he not only develops them as athletes but also as well-rounded individuals.”

We recently sat down with Coach Hernandez after the announcement. With a history of coaching, and a reputation for developing talent, Coach Hernandez’s perspective is inspiring to all.

How does it feel to receive this honor?

It is a great honor to be recognized as a CIF Model Coach. Coaching has always been a ministry to me seeing student-athletes grow in character and integrity. I’ve always looked at my profession as not only teaching a subject and coaching a sport, but it’s about teaching life and coaching people.

How was this season for you and the team?

I couldn’t have written a better story in winning CIFSD, CIFSS and being a CIF State Finalist, but it was the relationships with the players and coaches that I will remember forever.

Hernandez will be recognized at the upcoming SD-CIF recognition luncheon held in May.

The Sweetwater Union High School District recently held a red carpet event at Olympian High School gymnasium to honor all district Teachers of the Year. The event was attended by teachers of honor, their families, dignitaries, faculty, and staff.

A highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by former San Diego County Teacher of the Year, Don Dumas, who is a teacher at Bonita Vista High School. His inspiring words resonated with the audience and highlighted the importance of teaching and education.

During the event, the final seven Teachers of the Year were announced.

Jennifer Ekstein, Bonita Vista High School

Christianne Dayawon Vazquez, Castle Park Middle School

Leana Dillon, Chula Vista Middle School

Julia Anker, Montgomery High School

Erin Kern Graves, Montgomery Middle School

Rizalyn M. Cruz, Otay Ranch High School

Yolanda Sherard, Otay Ranch High School

These teachers will move on to the county level to compete for the title of San Diego County Teacher of the Year later this year. Their dedication and commitment to their students and the field of education were celebrated by all in attendance.

The event was a testament to the hard work and passion of the district’s teachers, who go above and beyond every day to educate and inspire their students. Congratulations to all the Teachers of the Year and best of luck to those moving on to the county level!

Thank you to the Teacher of the Year Planning Committee for a remarkable event honoring our outstanding and well-deserved teachers.

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SUHSD Teachers of the Year