For Abbie Hart, stepping into her role as a Title I reading aide at Benton Grade School feels like coming full circle. Born and raised in Benton, she grew up walking these same hallways and graduated from Benton High School in 2012. Today, her four boys attend the very same district, and Abbie is giving back to the community that shaped her.

Her path here has been filled with persistence, education, and a deep love of teaching. After high school, she earned her associate degree at Rend Lake College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in education through Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2019. More recently, she completed her master’s degree online with Western Governors University, adding another layer of expertise to her career.

Abbie’s teaching experience began in the classroom. She taught first grade for three years—one year at Galatia Grade School, followed by two years at Washington Elementary in Marion. During that time, she discovered her passion for working with young learners, especially in the area of reading. “My dream job has always been to teach elementary,” she said, explaining that first grade holds a special place in her heart.

Life, however, added another chapter. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Abbie gave birth to twins, Max and Sage. With four boys at home—including Cooper, now in fifth grade, and Vinny, in third—she made the decision to step away from full-time teaching to focus on her family. Once the twins entered kindergarten this year, she was ready to return to education, this time as a paraprofessional supporting Title I reading at Benton.

Her days are both busy and rewarding. In the mornings, Abbie meets with small groups of kindergarten through second-grade students, usually three to four at a time. In her cozy classroom, Abbie works on phonics, spelling, and reading skills, moving quickly through lessons because each group only has twenty minutes together. She sees six groups before lunch, helping eighteen children build the foundation they need for reading success.

After lunch, her role shifts into the classrooms. She pushes into two kindergarten rooms and two second-grade rooms, assisting wherever she is needed. Sometimes it’s reading, sometimes writing or handwriting, and sometimes simply providing encouragement as children work to master new skills. She collaborates closely with Benton’s Title I reading specialist, Cindy Billington, who provides leveled stories, worksheets, and resources. Abbie also shares books with fellow aides Sandra Wills and Kathy Smith, who also support students with their reading skills. Together, the four form a close-knit team, each playing a role in making sure struggling readers receive the attention they need.

The work can be challenging, especially when students arrive far behind their peers. “We work with them every day to get them caught up.” Her compassion and determination make her a steady presence in the lives of the children she serves.

Her personal life and professional life intertwine in ways that make her role even more meaningful. All four of her boys are part of Benton schools: Cooper in fifth grade, Vinny in third, and twins Max and Sage in kindergarten. “They’re all over this school,” Abbie said with a smile. Her husband, Sidney, owns a construction business, and together they have built a life rooted in the Benton community. For Abbie, being able to serve in the same district where her children are learning is both practical and deeply rewarding.

Though she loves her current position, Abbie still dreams of having her own classroom again one day. “My dream is to be here at this school,” she said. “I grew up here, my boys go here, and I know the community. I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

That dedication is clear to those who work with her. Whether pulling a small group into her classroom or offering an extra hand during writing time, Abbie brings both skill and heart into her work. She values the way Benton educators collaborate across grade levels, supporting one another to meet students where they are. “It’s a really tight-knit community,” she said. “All the teachers here really work hard with their teams, and it shows in the kids.”

For now, Abbie Hart is embracing the opportunity to help Benton’s youngest learners develop the reading skills that will carry them forward. And though her long-term dream is to teach elementary in her hometown, she is already making a difference in the place she has always called home—one small reading group at a time.