For Kristi Picklesimer, teaching first grade has always been about witnessing the moment everything begins—the first time a child reads a word on their own, the first time they confidently raise their hand, and the first time they realize they are capable of more than they thought. After more than three decades at Benton Grade School, Picklesimer is preparing to retire, closing a career built on those moments of discovery.

Picklesimer’s story with Benton began long before she became a teacher. Born at Franklin Hospital and raised in nearby Ewing, she attended local schools before graduating from Benton High School in 1987. She went on to study at Rend Lake College and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, earning her degree in elementary education in December 1990. Her goal was always clear—she wanted to teach.

Finding that first job, however, was not easy. At the time, teaching positions were scarce, and she remembered applying alongside “like 160 other applicants” competing for a single opening. Determined to begin her career, she accepted a position at Benton Grade School in 1991 as a teacher’s aide, working in a special education classroom while continuing to pursue additional education.

Recognizing an opportunity to grow, Picklesimer earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in reading. Her efforts paid off when she was hired in 1993 to teach Title I reading, helping students who needed extra support in developing their literacy skills. She spent eight years in that role, gaining valuable experience and discovering what she loved most about teaching.

Although she had once imagined teaching older students, working with younger children changed her perspective. She explained that she fell in love with the process of teaching foundational skills, especially reading, and found deep satisfaction in “Teaching kids to read and write, seeing how excited they are when they figure stuff out.” When an opportunity opened in first grade, she embraced it and remained there for the next 25 years.

During her time at Benton Grade School, Picklesimer witnessed enormous changes in education. Technology transformed the classroom, shifting from a time when computers were rare and difficult to use to an era where digital tools are part of everyday learning. She remembered how different things were early in her career, explaining that when she wrote her master’s paper, she “had to borrow a computer” and carry its components just to complete her work.

Yet while tools and methods evolved, Picklesimer believes the most important part of teaching never changed. She described Benton Grade School as a place filled with people who care deeply about their students, explaining that staff members work not only to support academic success but also to ensure students feel safe, valued, and understood. She said educators here are dedicated to making sure students’ needs are met, whether academic or personal.

Throughout her career, Picklesimer also benefited from the mentorship of experienced teachers who helped guide her early years in the profession. She credited colleagues like Jody Kimmel and Kendra Smith with providing encouragement, answering questions, and helping her grow into the teacher she became. Those relationships reinforced the importance of teamwork and support within the school community.

Picklesimer believes strongly that teaching young children requires personal connection and care. She explained that while technology has changed many aspects of education, younger students still need direct interaction and encouragement, noting that they “need your feedback” and benefit from personal relationships with their teachers. Beyond academics, she emphasized that early education helps children develop confidence, social skills, and independence.

She also offered thoughtful advice to parents, encouraging patience and trust in the learning process. She reminded families that children grow and develop at different rates and urged them “not to push your child too hard,” explaining that each child will reach milestones in their own time.

Outside the classroom, Picklesimer built a full life with her husband and their three sons. Today, she is also a proud grandmother of four. Retirement will allow her to spend more time with her family, including traveling to visit her youngest grandchild in North Dakota and enjoying time closer to home with others nearby. While she is still deciding exactly what retirement will look like, she looks forward to the opportunity to explore new experiences.

For Kristi Picklesimer, teaching was never simply a job. It was the privilege of guiding children through their earliest school experiences—and ensuring that each new beginning was filled with encouragement, care, and the belief that they could succeed.