For Ron McGee, the path to becoming a teacher did not begin in a college classroom. It began in small moments—realizations shaped by responsibility, and a growing understanding of his own worth. By the time he finally stood at the front of a third-grade classroom at Benton Grade School, he had already lived several careers and learned lessons no textbook could teach.

This spring, McGee will retire after approximately 14 years in education, bringing to a close a journey that began decades earlier in rural Southern Illinois. Born in Carbondale and raised in a modest home with eight siblings, he grew up in an environment where survival often took precedence over schoolwork. As a student, he was quiet, respectful, and rarely caused problems—but inside, he struggled.

“I went through school honestly thinking I was dumb,” McGee said, explaining that he never learned how to study or take notes. Without guidance, he simply moved from grade to grade, unsure of his abilities and uncertain about his future.

After graduating from high school, McGee entered the workforce, taking a job at a gas station before moving on to Aldi. There, his natural work ethic quickly set him apart. He rose from clerk to assistant manager and eventually became a store manager, relocating to communities across Illinois and Missouri. Supervisors relied on him to help struggling stores regain stability, and with each new responsibility, his confidence quietly grew.

Looking back, McGee said those experiences helped him see himself differently. “I realized I was smarter than I thought I was. I just didn’t have anybody reaching out to help me when I was younger.”

His career continued to evolve when he eventually joined First Cellular, working in technical services, installing and troubleshooting early mobile phone systems. His ability to lead and problem-solve led to a promotion as technical services manager, overseeing employees and managing operations across the region. From the outside, it appeared he had found his professional footing.

But there was something deeper stirring beneath the surface.

“I had always wanted to be a teacher,” McGee said. For years, he had carried that dream quietly, believing it was beyond his reach. “I just didn’t think I was smart enough to do it.”

That belief began to change when corporate restructuring eliminated his department. Faced with uncertainty, McGee and his wife, Evelyn, made a decision that would alter the course of his life. In his mid-forties, he enrolled at John A. Logan College, eventually transferring to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned his degree in elementary education at age 50.

Returning to school later in life brought its own challenges and rewards. McGee recalled studying alongside classmates young enough to be his children, forming friendships and rediscovering his love of learning. The experience reinforced what he had begun to understand years earlier—that his limitations had never been about intelligence, but about opportunity.

His career in education began at Benton Grade School as a Title I math teacher, working with younger students who needed additional support. Soon after, he transitioned into classroom teaching, moving through second and fourth grades before finding his home in third grade.

“I like third graders because you can do more with them,” he said. “They get your jokes. They can reason. But they’re still young enough that they want to do well.”

More importantly, McGee brought empathy to his classroom, shaped by his own childhood experiences. He understood what it felt like to struggle silently, and he made it his mission to ensure his students never felt invisible.

“I wanted to be the teacher that reached out to kids,” he said. That goal guided his daily interactions, from quiet encouragement to simple traditions that helped students feel valued. Whether sharing lunch, offering reassurance, or simply listening, he focused on building relationships that extended beyond academics.

As he reflects on his career, McGee hopes his students carry one message with them. “I hope they remember that I cared.”

Now, as retirement approaches, McGee looks forward to spending more time with his family, including his grandchildren, while remaining connected to the school community in new ways. Leaving the classroom will not be easy. “I really love teaching,” he said. “My heart is there.”