Meet the Teacher Generations of Nashville Kids Call “Ms. Juanita”

For more than four decades, Ms. Juanita Collier has been a beloved presence at Children’s House of Nashville, offering generations of students warmth, patience, and loads of wisdom. In a world where teachers often come and go, she has become part of the school’s fabric. Now, as she retires from the classroom, we’re reflecting on the thousands of tiny moments, lessons, and lives she’s shaped along the way.

What led you to become a teacher?

I was born and raised in Franklin, Tennessee. There were six of us — three girls and three boys — and we lived on Fairground Street. My grandfather owned a store called Pokey Morton’s Grocery … I was a tomboy; I enjoyed playing in the streets, running up and down, beating all the boys.

When I was a child, I would go to the backyard and make classrooms … I knew I was going to be a teacher. I didn’t even think about being a lawyer or an accountant.

I worked at the Tennessee State Early Learning Center for a year and was going to put down roots at TSU. That’s where I graduated from, and I wanted to become the director there eventually. Well, it didn’t work out. I was forced to work on a master’s, and I just couldn’t. I was a single mom, and if it hadn’t been for my mom, dad, and sister, I don’t know how I would’ve made it. That family support was crucial.

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Shirley Paris came here [to Children’s House] as the director, and she wanted me to come, too. When they let me go from TSU, I called Shirley, crying, saying, “Do you still need someone over there?”

I came here with no Montessori experience, but I was looked at as someone gifted to teach. So, I went to New York and got my training.

What’s most rewarding about watching children grow in a Montessori classroom?

The beauty of the Montessori environment is how independent the children are. It’s a three-year program. Because we’ve presented the lessons, the expectations are there to help them focus and choose the work or go prepare their own snack.

If you’ve done the work, you can almost step back as if you aren’t in the room, and the children will take ownership. And that’s what I’ve seen over the years.

You’ve taught generations of families, including some of our StyleBlueprint team members’ kids! Are there any funny stories you can share?

We were having lunch inside one day, and some workmen came in to fix some wires in the ceiling. Of course, the children were looking and wondering what they were doing as they were eating. My buddy came over and said, “Miss Juanita, I know what they’re doing. They’re looking for Santa Claus!”

Another story is — we were observing birds and talking about mourning doves and how they’re ground feeders. That afternoon, I said, “Oh, I see a mourning dove outside!” And a little girl said, “But you said it was the afternoon!” I had to try to explain “mourning” versus “morning.”

There have been some really funny things. I used to say I was going to write a book about the funniest things kids have said, but I never did. Maybe I’ll go back and venture into that again.

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Retirement is such a major milestone. What are you most looking forward to in this next chapter?

I’ve had surgery for the last three summers (knee surgery and hip replacement), so I’m knocking on wood that I’m not having surgery this summer!

In the middle of my 40s and 50s, I was caring for my husband’s mom, his dad, and then my grandmother. It was like every season I was a caregiver. The day I looked in the back of my car, and I saw Depends for my grandmother and diapers for my granddaughter, I lost it. I just lost it. So, I’m looking forward to just having some “me time.”

I do have a new role here at the school, as the parent educator coordinator. It’ll be contract work for a few hours a week, working directly with parents and teachers. I’m building that — I don’t really know what it looks like, but I’m looking forward to it. The parents are excited, my director is ecstatic, and I hope I know what I’m getting into.

The education background at TSU prepared me, so that will be part of my journey this next year. And I do know the word no. It has a period after it.

What led you to the retirement decision?

I had a very hard time making it. What did it was I came down with sciatica about nine months ago. That with the knee was not a good combination. Crying out to the Lord, I finally heard what he said. The physical therapist, chiropractor, and my primary care provider all said that because of a bulging disc, the longer I work, the more it’s going to affect that. I realized it was time.

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I used to be shy. And I was going to join the army at one point in my life, because I was fed up with men.

What are some things you love to do when you’re not teaching?

I can get a movie and some popcorn on a Saturday and veg for a couple of hours. Even more than a couple of hours. I enjoy reading my Bible, looking at Hell’s Kitchen recipes, and then cooking. I don’t cook nearly as much as I used to, but I do enjoy doing that.

And what I really like — this started in the last five years of my life — is when I come across a word I don’t know, I look it up and learn the pronunciation … I call them dictionary words. I love soaking in my tub and resting, and I like going for walks when the weather permits.

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What is the biggest lesson your students have taught you?

Life is a gift, don’t sweat the small stuff, and be happy. They are so happy! Even if something upsets them, it’s easy to help them turn it around by simply saying, “It looks like you need a hug.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

My mom would often say, “Juanita, don’t forget who you belong to.” She was a Christian woman. She never went to school. But she said God ordained her — she didn’t need man to ordain her. She would always lead us to Christ.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite children’s book of all time? The Colors of Us. I would actually bring spices into the classroom, and we would match them up to their skin colors.

What is one classroom item you could never live without? Where I am in my life, items are not something I need. But I couldn’t live without peace, love, and joy. I’m also a positive discipline instructor. When a child is misbehaving, it’s because they’re discouraged. We can’t [help them] by saying things to make them feel worse. That’s where that hug oftentimes comes in.

What is the first thing you’re going to do on your very first Monday of retirement? I’ll probably still wake up at the normal time, because I have that clock built in me after so many years! But I want to keep my pajamas on, go to my porch, swing, and exercise my knee, and then I might schedule a manicure or a massage. I might even go to the movies. Or I may just enjoy a quiet day at home, especially if my husband goes to work!

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