Embedded Files
Kimberly Battle
Kimberly Battle
NJROTC
How long have you been a teacher?
Since 2022
How long have you been here at LE?
November 15th, 2022
Tell us about yourself:
I proudly serve as a Naval Science Instructor, bringing with me over 32 years of dedicated service in the United States Navy. Originally from Paris, Texas, I come from a large, close-knit family and deeply value the importance of community and connection.
Outside the classroom, I’m a proud parent of two daughters and three broke best friends. I’m passionate about youth development and currently serve as the Assistant Youth Director at Macedonia Baptist Church, where I’m an active and committed member.
In my free time, I enjoy shopping, running, and playing sports. I’m highly competitive by nature, and I love to inspire others to push past their limits and bring out their very best. My favorite color is red—bold, energetic, and full of life, just like my approach to everything I do.
Whether mentoring students, supporting youth in the community, or spending quality time with family, I bring passion, discipline, and heart to every endeavor.
What subject do you teach?
I teach Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC)
What makes you a unique teacher?
I am unique as an NJROTC instructor because I bring together the hands-on experience and discipline of a military career with the educational mission of a high school teacher. As a retired Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy, I offer a distinct set of leadership skills, real-world knowledge, and a structured approach to instruction that sets my classroom apart. My military background not only reinforces core values like respect, responsibility, and resilience but also allows me to connect with students in a way that prepares them for both military and civilian futures.
What is your teaching philosophy?
All students are important and capable of learning. I don't ask more of the students than I am willing to do it myself.
What motivates you?
My students' personal and emotional growth and development are the driving forces that motivates me.
Out of curiosity, what type of student were you in high school?
In high school, I was a quiet, respectable student, and I was involved in extracurricular activities while holding down a part-time job.
Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know:
I'm a licensed motorcycle rider and proud owner of a Harley-Davidson Sportster. Growing up, I was a multi-sport athlete—competing in basketball, softball, volleyball, and track. That competitive spirit stuck with me into adulthood, where I've had the opportunity to coach both basketball and softball. I stay active by running, having completed multiple 5Ks and 10Ks, and even pushed myself through a 15K.
In your opinion, what is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
Being able to make an impact on students' lives and cheering them all in and out of the classroom.
Tell us about one of your own teachers who made an impression on you.
Mr. Larry Preston and Mrs. Shirley Smith both made a remarkable impression on me as a student. They were seasoned teachers who were very knowledgeable about the content they taught.
How do you want your students to remember you?
I want the students to remember me as being a fair, firm, and supportive teacher who wanted nothing but the best for them.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
One of the most challenging—but also most important—aspects of my job is helping students understand that qualities like discipline, accountability, integrity, and character aren’t just classroom expectations; they’re life skills. Instilling these values takes time and consistency, but I believe they are essential for success beyond school—in relationships, careers, and everyday decision-making.
Arcinie Hatchett
Arcinie Hatchett
Cosmetology/Credit Recovery
How long have you been a teacher?
27 years
How long have you been here at LE?
21 years
Tell us about yourself:
I am a proud 1986 graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School, where I was actively involved in Band, Choir, Pep Squad, Gymnastics, Nike, Student Council, and Cosmetology. After high school, I pursued my passion for fashion and cosmetology by attending Prairie View A&M University and El Centro Dallas County, where I earned my Cosmetology License and began working as a stylist.
Continuing my education, I attended Texarkana Community College and earned an Associate Degree. I then graduated from Texas A&M University-Texarkana with a Bachelor’s degree, concentrating in Special Education. I also completed instructor training at Career Academy for Cosmetology and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University in Arizona. Additionally, I hold an Arkansas Cosmetology License.
I am the proud mother of a licensed Eyelash Specialist who graduated from Liberty-Eylau in 2007 and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 2012. I am a widow and the owner of WASH Professional Training Center and Arcinie’s Styling Salon.
Outside of my professional life, I love arts and crafts, drawing, painting, music, and fostering peace and harmony. I am passionate about helping my clients see and embrace the beauty within themselves. I am also an active member of my church community.
What subject do you teach?
I am presently teaching Credit Recovery and Cosmetology Theory Classes
What makes you a unique teacher?
I believe what makes me unique is the fact that I incorporate integrity, empathy, and values in my students and in the assignments. I talk to them and always ask them to think beyond this moment, beyond high school, and consider consequences.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Every day is a new day.....a new day to strive to earn the respect that you expect.
What motivates you?
Honestly, my faith in God, along with the example set by my earthly fathers—both of whom passed away just a year apart—are the foundation of my strength. My family, especially my daughter, and my reputation within the community mean everything to me. My name and title are not just words; they represent my commitment to always do my best, because I know that no one else can live my purpose or give my unique effort but me.
Out of curiosity, what type of student were you in high school?
I was a good student growing up. My sister was very smart, and my mom was as well. My father was a Navy veteran, and my stepfather was incredibly supportive. He taught me and my siblings that our primary job was to focus on school and learn so we could provide for our futures. That’s what I’ve always strived to do. I only ever got in trouble once, and that was for being tardy.
Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know:
Most people don’t know that becoming a stylist wasn’t my original plan. After high school, I wanted to pursue Fashion Design, but Texarkana College didn’t offer a program for it. With several credits already earned, Dr. Hinton encouraged me to create a degree plan—and I did. At the time, I was already divorced and raising my daughter, so practicality mattered.
One day, I returned to the high school to do a demonstration for Mrs. Windes, my former cosmetology teacher. She told me I was wasting my talent. Without hesitation, she made a phone call and set up an interview for me at a local salon. That opportunity led to my first job in the field, then on to Pro-Cuts—and eventually, I became a licensed Cosmetology Instructor and salon owner.
My journey into cosmetology may have been unplanned, but it became my passion—and a career I’m proud of.
In your opinion, what is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
The most rewarding part of being a teacher, for me, is seeing my students after they’ve graduated—when they come back, give me a hug, and I can see the love in their eyes and the maturity they’ve developed. That moment says it all. It’s a reminder that the seeds we plant in the classroom really do grow.
Tell us about one of your own teachers who made an impression on you.
I absolutely can’t name just one person—two individuals had a profound influence on my life and career: Robert Utsey and Janet Windes.
Robert Utsey was my junior high band director. He helped me realize that my talent wasn’t just in my hands—it was in my spirit. I played several different instruments in band, and his encouragement gave me a sense of confidence and belief in my potential that I had never felt before.
Janet Windes was another key figure in my journey. She saw something in me early on and encouraged me to come work at Liberty-Eylau, pursue my Instructor’s license, and eventually mentored me through opening both my salon and my training center. Her belief in me—and her consistent guidance—were absolutely invaluable.
Hearing both of them say they were proud of me is something I carry with me to this day. It meant more than words can express.
How do you want your students to remember you?
I want my students to remember me as a teacher who truly wanted them to learn—not just from books, but about life. I wanted them to learn how to earn respect and, just as importantly, how to give respect. These values go beyond the classroom; they shape the kind of people we become.
And more than anything, I want them to carry with them the promise found in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
No matter where life takes them, I hope they never forget that their future is filled with purpose—and that they are deeply valued.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Monday mornings😉
Ray Howell
Ray Howell
Welding
How long have you been a teacher?
8 years
How long have you been here at LE?
8 years plus 13 years
Tell us about yourself:
I was born at Wadley Hospital in Texarkana, Texas. We lived near Lake Wright Patman, on Lakebreeze Road, and I attended Liberty-Eylau School from kindergarten all the way through graduation in 1983. We were members of Eylau Baptist Church, where I learned the importance of putting others first and treating people the way you’d want to be treated yourself.
I was raised with strong values: always do your best—whether it's washing dishes or mowing the lawn—be a person of your word, and show respect to others. I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, and running.
I’ve been married to my wife Pam for 29 years. We have two children, two grandchildren, and another grandbaby on the way. That drive to always do my best has served me well as an artist. I love being creative, though I admit it sometimes drives Pam a little crazy when it takes me longer than expected to build or finish certain projects!
What subject do you teach?
Welding Intro, Welding I, Welding II, Practicum in Manufacturing
What makes you a unique teacher?
I bring over forty years of hands-on experience in my subject area, along with decades of business relationships with manufacturers throughout the Four States region. This background allows me to bring real-world insight into the classroom, sharing practical, job-related examples and life lessons that go far beyond what’s found in a textbook.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I’m here to make a meaningful difference in the lives of as many young people as I can, helping prepare them for both their careers and life beyond the classroom. I focus on teaching practical relationship-building skills and encouraging a strong work ethic. I strive to be a supportive listener and do my best to help each student reach their individual goals in welding.
What motivates you?
I’m a self-motivated person, and my biggest source of motivation is the students. I was raised to always give my best in everything I do, and that mindset continues to guide me. I also feel a deep sense of responsibility not to let down those who trusted me with the opportunity to teach and make a difference.
Out of curiosity, what type of student were you in high school?
In high school, I was honored to be nominated “Most Dependable” by my peers. I also received the “Most Outstanding DECA Student of the Year” award during my senior year, along with the Shelby Shipp Award. While I wasn’t involved in sports, I spent my junior and senior years attending school half the day and working the other half. I purchased my first car during that time and took full responsibility for paying my insurance, fuel, and maintenance—all while maintaining strong grades and attendance to qualify for exemption from semester exams. These experiences helped shape my work ethic and sense of responsibility early on.
Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know:
I graduated from high school, and then the next week I started attending Texarkana College. I got married the same year to my first wife, we were married for thirteen years, and then divorced.
In your opinion, what is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher?
One of the most fulfilling parts of my work is seeing students who chose to enter the workforce right after high school or after attending a technical school reach out to thank me for helping them get a job. It’s incredibly rewarding to know I played a part in their success. What means even more is when I see former students out in public, and their faces light up when they recognize me. When they take the time to come over, smile, and start a conversation, it reminds me why I do what I do—it’s all about making a lasting, positive impact on their lives.
Tell us about one of your own teachers who made an impression on you.
My government teacher, Virgil Sanders, had some unforgettable teaching habits that truly stuck with me. One thing he often said was, 'If you act like sheep, you’ll be sheep—and not a leader.' That simple statement carried a powerful lesson about thinking for yourself and not blindly following others.
How do you want your students to remember you?
I want my students to know that I genuinely care about them—not just while they’re in school, but in life beyond graduation. I do my best to help them prepare for the real world, whether that means guiding them toward a job, further education, or simply being someone they can rely on. I’ve always tried to be honest and fair with them, and to love and support them as if they were my own children. My goal has never been just to teach, but to make a lasting difference in their lives.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Trying to grab a quick bite in 30 minutes while making sure all the papers are graded and the welding lessons are prepared and delivered on time—it's all part of the job.
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