Justin Hall knows that being an elementary school principal and raising three young children have more in common than many people realize. Hall and his wife, Hillary, are busy raising Jordan (10), Sydney (6) and London (3) in Deptford, New Jersey, balancing school leadership with a family life filled with youth sports, movie nights and adventures around the Philadelphia region. Through parenting, Hall says he’s gained a deeper appreciation for the trust families place in schools each day, making him a more compassionate and thoughtful leader.
As both an elementary school principal and the father of three young children, what has being a parent taught you that has made you a better school leader?
We all carry assumptions we sometimes aren’t aware of. I realized I was more judgmental of parents before I became one. Then, I realized how terrifying it is to release your kid into this building for eight hours and have little to no contact until the end of the day. It humbled me and improved my communication with families.
Every parent hopes to pass along certain values to their children. What are the three life lessons you hope your kids carry with them long after they leave home, and how do you model those lessons for them?
Work hard, have good and consistent character and do right by people. I try and live by these values as well.
School leadership and parenting both come with long days and unexpected challenges. How do you balance the demands of your career while making sure your children know they’re your top priority?
Intentional time with the kids through organized sports helps keep us connected. Organized sports is a double-edged sword, but being involved allows us to be engaged together even it is exhausting.
What do you love most about raising your family in the Philly region, and what are some of your favorite local traditions or places to explore together?
It’s nice being close enough to the city if you want to go to an event. We’ve been to multiple sporting events, museums and the zoo. The kids love the Camden Aquarium.
When your children look back years from now, what do you hope they’ll remember most about their childhood — and about having a dad who dedicated his career to helping other children succeed?
I hope they remember that I tried hard to be a good person and good example. And hopefully they carry that on.
Family Favorites
Weekend Activity: Some mix of watching/playing/coaching youth sports. The kids and I have a tradition of going to the movies as well (AMC 8 Deptford).Family Movie: Changes month to month. The kids were pretty obsessed with “Michael” and moonwalking.
Family Restaurant: 7 Star Diner (Deptford, NJ)
Date Night Spot: The house when kids are with extended family!
Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a proud Pittsburgh mama of two. A Temple University graduate, she has a deep love for Philadelphia and is excited to highlight the stories of Philly-area parents who are making a difference in their communities.
