For nearly four decades, the classrooms of Cairo have been home to Tena Harrell. She began her career here as a young aide in the 1980s, worked her way through college at night, became a teacher, retired, and then returned because, in her words, she simply “couldn’t stand being away.” For Harrell, teaching has never been just a job—it’s a calling that has shaped her life, her family, and her community.

Harrell started in 1984 as a preschool aide. “I had my family, I worked during the day, and I went to night classes at SIU,” she recalled. It was not the typical college experience, but it gave her the foundation she needed to move into teaching. The years were long, but the classroom fueled her determination. “By the grace of God, I was able to go back to school. It took me a while, but I always knew I wanted to come straight back here,” she said.

After one year teaching at Bennett Elementary before it closed, Harrell returned to Emerson Elementary, where she would spend the rest of her career. She started in kindergarten, moved to third grade, spent years in first grade, and eventually landed in pre-kindergarten, the place she says stole her heart. “I love it. The kids keep me young. They keep me on my toes,” she explained.

Her longevity is remarkable. By her count, she has spent 14 years as an aide and more than 21 as a teacher—36 years inside the same school building, and 37 total in the district. Along the way, she raised three children of her own, all of whom went through Cairo schools. Now, she watches a new generation—her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—come through the system she has devoted her life to.

Harrell officially retired in 2021, but it didn’t last long. “I was off one year,” she laughed. “And I couldn’t stand it. I came back.” Part of the reason was practical. The district faced an upcoming state evaluation of the pre-K program, and Harrell’s experience navigating those evaluations was invaluable. “I told them I’d stay through the evaluation, and then maybe one more year to really enjoy myself,” she said. But the truth is simpler: she loves being with her students.

Her colleagues know her as someone who brings both humor and heart to the job. “I try to laugh, I try to make people laugh,” she said. “They’ll say, ‘Oh Lord, here comes Tena,’ and I’ll just compliment someone or tease them. That’s what builds relationships.” For Harrell, school has never been just about academics; it’s about people, connections, and community.

Over the years, she has seen Cairo schools change in big ways. From long-awaited building upgrades to the challenges brought by declining population, she has been present for it all. She remembers the days when pre-K ran four half-day classes and required three separate bus runs, reflecting the larger size of the community. She also remembers the loss when housing units closed and families left Cairo. Yet through it all, she has held fast to one truth: “You can’t beat the people here. If I were hungry, I’d know who to go to. And they’d do the same with me. That’s the kind of place this is.”

Family has always been central to Harrell’s story. She raised her three children as a single mother for many years before marrying. Her late husband, Michael, supported her during her college years, often taking on childcare and chores so she could finish her night classes. Today, she delights in her large extended family, including nine great-grandchildren. “It’s a house full when they all come over,” she said with a grin.

Harrell describes herself as “60-ish,” and while she jokes about being old enough to retire again, her energy for teaching is obvious. She loves walking into her classroom each morning, loves the sound of children’s laughter, and even loves the quiet when the day is done. “This school is one of the reasons I’ve had a good life,” she said. “It’s always been here for me.”

Asked if she ever thinks about the impact she’s had on generations of students, Harrell quickly turns the question around. “I think about how much they’ve affected me,” she said. “I wouldn’t be me if I hadn’t worked here. I’ve had a good life, and this school is a big part of that.”