Stacey Areno: ‘A well-rounded education addresses the whole person’

Published 5:30 am Friday, April 4, 2025

As a student, she was taught by several teachers who she deemed “wonderful.” Their passion for education nurtured the same fervor for learning in her.

“They were excited about it, and it made me excited.”

A Sulphur native, she graduated from Sulphur High School before enrolling in McNeese State University. There she earned her Bachelor’s in elementary education and a Master’s in educational administration.

Over her nine years as a teacher, she has taught several grades at several schools. She started at E.K. Key Elementary, where she taught first, second and fourth grades. She taught sixth grade at Anacoco Elementary in Vernon Parish and served as a reading interventionist – an education professional who provides targeted instruction to students struggling with literacy – at Cypress Cove Elementary.

Currently, she teaches sixth-grade math at DeQuincy Middle School and leads after-school math tutoring. In these roles, she cherishes the moments in which she sees the way her students grow and develop throughout the school year.

“I love seeing them be able to do something they’ve never done before or something they never thought they’d be able to do.”

Serving as a well-rounded mentor is one of the most important aspects of her job, she said. She models her teaching style after the educators who influenced her when she was a student, a style that inspires students to love learning.

“I try to be a good role model for them in my everyday actions as a human and as a Christian,” she explained. “I pray that they will remember me as someone they can pattern themselves after.”

This is an effort that has helped her develop good relationships with her students.

In the classroom, her students are faced with high expectations in not only their education, but also the way they treat others. Areno teaches them to respect both adults and peers, which is an act that aligns with her belief that teaching is about more than just curriculum.

Her students receive an education that focuses not just on content, but on emotional, social and moral development. She does this by teaching problem-solving skills and the importance of social responsibility.

“A well-rounded education addresses the whole person.”

This expansive education is important because it puts students on a path of good citizenship, she said, especially because “education enables people in the community to make informed decisions and take control of their lives.”

It is important for educators to make sure they know they truly enjoy teaching and learning before becoming an educator, she said.

“Educators who do not enjoy teaching and learning will transfer that attitude to their students.”

“Also, try to take time to build strong, trusting relationships,” she continued. “This creates a positive classroom environment and helps students feel valued, which can motivate them to engage more fully in their learning.”