In the active world of third-grade teacher Mallory McClerren, the classroom has already become a second home. Just a few weeks into her first year at Benton Grade School, she feels the warmth of a supportive staff, the encouragement of mentors, and the joy of teaching twenty energetic students who greet her each morning with enthusiasm. “They’re very motivated, and I try to motivate them as much as I can,” she said. “It feels like we’re heading in the right direction for a successful school year.”

Mallory’s road to Benton has been full of determination and resilience. A 2017 graduate of Sesser-Valier High School, she earned a full-ride scholarship to Rend Lake College, where she completed her associate’s degree in arts and science in 2019. Her next step was Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she majored in exercise science and planned to pursue physical therapy. But midway through her studies, as COVID swept across campuses and disrupted routines, she realized her heart wasn’t in it. “I knew that wasn’t where I was supposed to be,” she admitted. “But I had already invested so much, I decided to finish the degree. I figured it would help me in some way.”

She graduated in 2021 with her bachelor’s degree in exercise science, but during those years she had also discovered a different calling. While balancing full-time classes, she worked as a daycare teacher, first at Little Treasures in Carterville and later at Kids & Co. in Benton. Caring for preschoolers and pre-K children, she quickly realized how much she loved working with kids. “It just clicked,” Mallory explained. “I loved seeing them grow and learn.”

Encouraged by that experience, she decided to return to school to pursue education. She enrolled in SIU’s cohort program in Mount Vernon, taking night classes while continuing to work at the daycare by day. Clinical placements at Rome, Spring Garden, and Summersville schools exposed her to different teaching environments, broadening her perspective and skills. Eventually, she completed her student teaching at Summersville Grade School, where she spent a full year with the same group of students. The experience confirmed that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

After finishing her degree in elementary education, Mallory accepted a position teaching second grade at Ewing Grade School. She loved the small district and the connections she made there, but she always hoped to find her way to Benton. “I had family here, and I had always heard great things about the school and the community,” she said. When a third-grade position opened in March, she applied immediately. This fall, she began her new role, excited to join a team of five general education teachers and one special education teacher in the grade level.

The transition to Benton has been smooth, thanks in large part to the support Mallory has received. She names her mentor teacher, Lindsey Bumpus, and her cousin, Olivia Jones, as two of her biggest sources of guidance. “Olivia even came and helped me put my classroom together,” Mallory said. “She’s constantly checking in—making copies, sharing resources, and just being there if I need anything. And Lindsey has been wonderful too. I’ve felt supported from the very beginning.” Even the teacher who previously held her position reached out with encouragement, underscoring the strong sense of community within the school.

Mallory is also grateful for the administration, particularly K-4 principal Danielle Hatfield, who once taught third grade herself. “I’m in her old classroom,” Mallory said. “She really understands what I’m experiencing and has been great to talk with.” That kind of understanding has made Mallory’s first months as a teacher feel less overwhelming and more like a natural extension of her journey.

In her classroom, Mallory works hard to build rapport and trust. She carves out time each week for social-emotional learning, often using “spot books” that help children explore emotions and relationships. “I think it’s so important,” she explained. “Third graders are becoming more independent, but they’re also starting to really notice things about themselves and others. Having those conversations helps them grow.” Her students, she says, have already responded with enthusiasm, sometimes even telling her on Fridays that they don’t want to leave her for the weekend.

Mallory’s life outside of school is equally full. She and her husband, Tyler, have been married since 2023. Tyler works twelve-hour shifts at the Hamilton County coal mines, often on opposite schedules from Mallory. They are raising their ten-month-old son, Tucker, whose boundless energy keeps the household lively. Between caring for her family, building her classroom, and adjusting to life as a new teacher, her days are busy—but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Looking ahead, Mallory hopes to remain in the classroom long-term. “Third grade feels like such a sweet spot,” she said. It’s the perfect age.”