For Marilyn Keeney, Macomb schools are more than just a place of work—they are home. She’s spent 45 years shaping young minds, creating a classroom where students feel valued, encouraged, and safe. Now in her 46th year, Marilyn remains as passionate about education as she was when she first stepped into the classroom.

"I love coming to work every day," she says. "I love the kids. I love who I work with. I’ve just been really blessed by all of it."

Marilyn’s path to education began with a deep-seated love for teaching that dates back to her childhood in Springfield, Illinois. As a young girl, she would write lessons in chalk on her closet doors, playing school with dolls and friends.

"I don’t think my mom ever knew I was writing on those doors," she laughs. "But I loved it, even back then."

She followed her passion to Western Illinois University, where she earned her teaching degree. After a short time teaching in Lewistown, Marilyn took time off to raise her children. But when her daughters were old enough for school, she found her way back to the classroom—this time as a program assistant in Macomb’s preschool and special education programs.

"It was the best of both worlds," she recalls. "I got to be with kids all day, doing creative things, helping them learn, and watching them grow."

Over the years, Marilyn taught at Lincoln School and MacArthur, spending 27 years at the latter before returning to Lincoln in 2007, where she continues to teach today.

In nearly five decades of education, Marilyn has seen countless changes in teaching methods, classroom expectations, and the lives of students.

"Society has changed," she says. "Parenting has changed. But one thing hasn’t: kids still just want to be accepted, respected, heard, and loved."

She knows that many students come to school carrying heavy burdens—things no child should have to face.

"Every child that walks through the doors at school is like a book, a "walking book" full of stories, some of them happy ones, others are about hunger, lack of sleep, abuse, domestic violence, drugs, and neglect."

"We can't expect students to sit down and start learning immediately, their minds are sometimes consumed with worries and fears."

Marilyn believes that listening is one of the most important things a teacher can do.

"If you take the time to listen—really listen—kids know you’re on their side. And that changes everything."

Though Marilyn has taught thousands of students, she rarely hears from former pupils. But she has had the unique experience of teaching the children of her former students.

"It’s funny when parents come in and say, ‘You had my mom or dad in class!’" she smiles. "It’s a reminder of how long I’ve been here, but also how special this place is."

Marilyn sees Lincoln school as a village—a place where teachers, staff, and families work together to lift children up.

"The people here really care," she says. "They respect the kids. They listen. And that’s what makes this place so special."

After 45 years, Marilyn could easily retire. But for now, she has no plans to walk away from the classroom.

"Kids have so much to offer," she says. "They are little people with big stories. And I feel blessed to be part of those stories, every single day."