Arthur Southward joined the Alternative Classroom Placement teaching staff Aug. 14.

Last year Southward was an assistant girls’ basketball coach. This year, Southward is the varsity head coach.

“One of the reasons that I chose Bryan is diversity,” Southward said. “… I like that it is tight-knit. People are respectful. I like that everybody is willing to have a conversation with you and be friendly.”

Southward tries to promote the school through his attire and spirit.

“I follow behind Mr. Mitchell (Wattles, para educator and assistant boys’ basketball coach),” Southward said. “He has a group of shoes for the season. I have a certain pair of shoes that I wear each game along the year, so I look forward to showing my pride by my shoes and the gear.”

Southward believes the school has a bad connotation, and accomplishments are not being recognized.

“I would really enjoy seeing Bryan itself be shown in a better light,” Southward said. “We do a lot of really good things here at our school, and sometimes I think it’s not seen by the outside community and that is the reason kids don’t come.”

Angela Hodges, another ACP teacher, appreciates Southward because they get along well, and he knows her teaching philosophies.

“I like that he has visuals and hands-on activities with paper for the kids to do and that he tries to reach to the stars and push them more to get more out of them than what they think they can do,” Hodges said.

Last year without Southwards’ help, Hodges worked 10-hour days to support 30 students with Individual Education Plans.

“It was a lot,” Hodges said. “I didn’t have anybody to bounce ideas off of.”

Junior Feliciano Perez-Vargas said Southward is a good teacher and happy person. He appreciates that he brings snacks, and he wishes to continue getting help from Southward with his core classes.