For over thirty years, Diane Howard has been a cornerstone of Jasper County Schools—an educator, a mentor, and, for many, a guiding light. This year, she prepares to retire, closing a chapter that has shaped not just her own life, but the lives of thousands of students who have passed through her classroom doors.

Diane’s journey began with an accelerated education of her own. Determined to finish college in just three years, she took dual-credit courses at Olney Central College and Eastern Illinois University. “By that time, I was tired of being in school,” she laughs, “but little did I know, I was about to spend the rest of my life in a classroom.”

That journey started with a year and a half in Head Start, a formative experience that shaped her understanding of early childhood education. “It was difficult, it was challenging, but it was also a blessing in disguise,” she reflects. Many of the children she taught back then are now parents of her current students—a full-circle moment that affirms the lasting influence of her work.

From there, Diane’s career became a masterclass in adaptability. She served as a Title I teacher, a teacher’s aide in a cross-categorical classroom, and eventually a third-grade teacher at Grove Elementary.

 

Over the years, she moved between third, fourth, and even fifth grades—sometimes teaching the same students multiple times as they advanced through school. “I had some students three years in a row,” she recalls. “It was an incredible experience to watch them grow, both academically and personally.”

But the grade level was never the defining factor for Diane. “Each one is different, but the goal remains the same: to keep learning right along with the kids,” she says. “I never wanted to teach the same lesson plans year after year. Learning should be fresh, for them and for me.”

Eventually, she found a home in fourth grade—a pivotal year in a student’s academic development. “In third grade, they’re learning to read. In fourth grade, they’re reading to learn,” she explains. “They start thinking more independently, making connections, and really stepping into who they are as students.”

Diane’s approach to teaching has always extended beyond academics. She sees education as a bridge to the wider world, particularly for students who may never travel beyond Jasper County. “Some of these kids won’t get the chance to see much outside their hometown, so the more we can bring into the classroom, the better,” she says. “It’s about thinking outside the box—because if you stay in the box, life gets boring.”

Her classroom was never just a place for math and reading—it was a safe space where students could share their feelings, express their struggles, and be heard. Every morning, she set up a rating scale by the door, inviting students to indicate how they were feeling that day. If a student pointed to a three or below, she would ask, “Do you want to talk about it?” For many, that small gesture made all the difference.

Though she is excited for the next chapter—one filled with travel, flower arranging, and more time with family—Diane knows she will miss her team and her students. “You always feel like you’re leaving something unfinished,” she admits. “You wonder if the next group will be okay without you. But that’s part of life—you pass the torch and trust that what you’ve built will continue.”

That trust is well-placed. As Diane prepares to retire, two of her long-time colleagues, Linda and Laura, are also set to step away, leaving behind a new generation of educators to carry forward their work. “Fresh minds are a good thing,” she says with a smile. “Education is always evolving. It should be.”

For Diane Howard, retirement is not an ending—it is a transition. She has laid the foundation for countless students, built a legacy of dedication and care, and left an indelible mark on Jasper County Schools. And while her name may no longer be on a classroom door, the lessons she imparted will continue to echo in the lives of her students for generations to come.