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.