Copyright American Press
Darren Alcock, a veteran educator with over three decades of experience, continues to shape young minds through mathematics. Born in Jennings and now based in Lake Charles, Alcock has taught at every level, from high school to the university level. He recently joined St. Louis Catholic High School after retiring from McNeese State University. He graduated as valedictorian of the Jennings High School Class of 1983. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics education and a Master’s degree in mathematics and administration/supervision from McNeese, as well as a Master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Louisiana. As a grade school student, armed with the mathematical knowledge taught to him by his “great teachers and professors,” he tutored his high school and college peers. This experience revealed not only a love for math, but also a love for educating. Alcock’s 33-year teaching journey began at Jennings High and John Curtis Christian School before he transitioned to higher education. At Jennings, he taught trigonometry, advanced math and geometry for four years. The next two years were spent teaching algebra I, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus and calculus at John Curtis Christian. He then served as director of freshman mathematics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for two years. He then joined McNeese, where he spent 23 years teaching advanced mathematics and statistics, and held the roles of director of freshman mathematics, assistant professor and assistant department head. As he began to approach retirement, Alcock knew his teaching journey wasn’t over yet. “My prayer was that I would know when the time was right, and that the right doors would open when that time came,” he said. “SLCHS has been an answer to that prayer, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing my love of mathematics.” Now in his second year at St. Louis Catholic, Alcock teaches geometry. He also coaches the Mighty Mu Math Team at T.S. Cooley and the MathCounts Team at ICCS, helping younger students build confidence and curiosity in math. He loves teaching all levels of mathematics. While each course brings its own challenges and rewards, he experiences the most fulfillment from simply helping students develop their math skills, he said. Inspired by his father, who was a math teacher and principal, Alcock strives for a classroom built on trust, fairness, and consistency, with an open environment that encourages questions and accountability. “I’ve always looked up to him for guidance and advice, and his example has shaped the teacher I am today.” Alcock believes education strengthens communities by preparing responsible citizens and skilled professionals. His advice to fellow educators: remember your purpose and the lasting impact you have on students’ lives. His philosophy is that a teacher has to be an individual whom students can trust. “Teachers are ‘molders of the future,’ shaping young minds not only through the knowledge we share but also through our actions,” he said. “To foster success, I believe teachers must model fairness, honesty, consistency, and above all, trust, qualities that help students grow into capable, responsible individuals.” As a result, his relationship with his students is positive and respectful. To build relationships with them, he meets them where they are at and makes the curriculum applicable to their daily lives. “I like to get to know who they are and what their goals are,” he said. “I think that makes a big difference in how they engage. I also try to be fair, honest, and consistent. I’ve found that a little humor also goes a long way in building trust and keeping the classroom atmosphere comfortable.” His advice for current and future teachers is to always remember the “why,” and to “remember that what you do every day makes a difference in your students’ lives, and that impact can last far beyond the classroom.”
