Soul of 78: Luajuana Brasfield

Math Teacher at Walker High School and Author

Words by James Phillips | Image by Ryan McGill

During her more than 30 years as an educator, Luajuana Brasfield wanted one thing to stand out: her love for her students. 

Brasfield, a University of Alabama graduate, taught at Northport Junior High School, Cordova High School and Walker College before arriving at Walker High School in 1988, where she spent 18 years of her teaching career.

“During my years at Walker High School, I taught many wonderful young people. I loved the students at Walker and was privileged to teach many who are now very successful in their careers and in life,” Brasfield said. “I believe the real joy in teaching was touching the lives of young people in ways that can help them in life and can hopefully help them see the love of the Lord through us.”

During her tenure at Walker, Brasfield saw many students have great difficulty with the algebra portion of the Alabama graduation exam. To assist the students and give them support in learning algebra, Brasfield created Math Helper flip books. “The basic algebra book helped my students, and other schools began calling regarding how to get the books,” Brasfield said. “I retired in 2006 to work with other schools, particularly in areas with high poverty and in Black Belt area schools. I continued to do workshops across the state in many school systems where they purchased the Math Helper books, which I developed into a series of 4 books: Basic Algebra, Basic Math, Intermediate Algebra, and an advanced Algebra/pre-calculus book.”

Later, Luajuana compiled her research and experiences into a published book entitled Hope Menders: A Journey to the Heart of Education. This work explores how teachers, particularly in impoverished socioeconomic areas like Alabama’s Black Belt, can impact students who are dealing with negative circumstances, e.g. poverty, neglect, and abuse. “This book is about those children in need, of several students I taught who were in need of restoration, and of some heroic, hope-mender educators I have met over the years who took the time to restore one of those little, lost mansions,” she said.  

Though her educational journey has taken her all over the state, Luajuana says her time at Walker will always be special to her. “My greatest memories of my students at Walker High School are that they are not just good students, but they are good people. They are loving, caring, genuine, good people, which is more important than grades and accomplishments.

“I truly believe some of the best people in the world are in Walker County because they have a heart for others.” 78