Valentina Nero Ricce

Juan Hal comes back to education after working on TSA.

With watchful eyes, Juwan Hal patrols the campus, making sure every student is safe. 

As the school’s new campus supervisor, his duty is to monitor the campus and make sure that all students are safe at all times. After working as a substitute teacher and then for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Hal says that returning to education feels like coming back home. 

A Career in Transportation Security 

“I was previously in education before I went to TSA and I just wanted to get back to a space that I was comfortable in, a space that I know I can thrive in, and help the community. I wanted to get back into education and I figured I could utilize the skills I gained there and bring them here to Amador Valley,” said Hal. 

Transportation service officers (TSOs) provide security and protection to travelers across all transportation sectors. Their duties include operating various screening equipment and technology to identify dangerous equipment in baggage, cargo, and on passengers, controlling terminal entry and exit points, and interacting with the public by giving directions and responding to inquiries. Now as a campus supervisor, Hal’s day-to-day tasks are similar but different in scope.

The Transition Back to School

“The hardest part is making sure we keep account of students during the busy hours, lunch, brunch, and morning and afternoon traffic,” said Hal. 

Hal spends the day walking around campus, escorting students, assisting teachers whenever needed, and keeping track of students during busy times like lunch. Even with the challenges, Hal says the best part of his job is the people. He enjoys connecting with students and staff, and appreciates the community.

“I think that engaging with students and teachers is the best part. It reminds me why I came back to education in the first place,” said Hal. 

Being a TSO demands organization, safety enforcement, and public interaction. Transitioning to become a Campus Supervisor maintains a similar focus on communication and safety, but also includes mentorship, relationship-building, and daily engagement with students and staff.