Teacher Brian Arceneaux’s smile is infectious. When he greets someone, it just feels warm. And he uses that bright smile to welcome students every day at the North East Alternative Center (NEAC).
“There is never a dull moment. You never know what type of day you are going to have. So, I like building relationships. Maybe that’s just shooting baskets with them, waving to them or having a quick conversation. I know one day they are going to have an off day. And if you don’t have that relationship with them, it’s going to make those days that much harder.”
So, he smiles. And then those around him smile. He’s genuinely serving students with his smile.
Turns out, service comes pretty easy to Arceneaux, too. He served our country for 20 years in the Air Force before coming to NEAC. He worked in logistical planning, ensuring equipment and things got where they needed to go. It’s a skill that’s served him well as a NEAC resource teacher.
“We get students from all over our District, and I have to help them keep track of their assignments and grades and make sure they complete their assignments. Keeping track of everything is challenging, but I like it. I like that we get kids from all over our District. So, I get to touch a part of every middle and high school.”
North East ISD’s NEAC serves 6-12th grade students assigned to a disciplinary alternative education program. The goal is to educate and help students develop and improve the skills needed to return to their home school successfully.
Arceneaux says he often has students who say they don’t want to return to their home campuses because of the impact he and the other NEAC teachers have made. So, Arceneaux’s service doesn’t stop when students leave; he often finds time to visit his students at their home campuses.
Arceneaux offers service with a smile #theNEISDway
