There’s something different in the halls of East Side Intermediate School this fall. Students may not know the details, but they can feel it—the buzz of excitement, the joyful spirit, the sense that something new is happening. That new energy comes from seven new teachers who joined the staff this year, five of whom had known each other before ever setting foot in the building. Their friendships and shared experiences have helped them transition smoothly into Harrisburg schools, and in turn, they’re bringing a burst of enthusiasm that is contagious.

Third-grade teacher Allison Beers is one of those seven. A native of Pittsburg, Illinois, Allison comes from a family steeped in education. Her mother, Kerri, has been a third-grade teacher in Marion for 32 years, and her grandmother served as a librarian. “I’ve always been around the school atmosphere,” Allison said. “I knew I always wanted to do this. I just love kids. I love seeing them grow and become the best students and people they can be.”

Her path into teaching began with AmeriCorps service at Longfellow Elementary in Marion, where she tutored students and worked in after-school programs. After two years at John A. Logan College, she transferred to Murray State University, graduating in December 2023 with a degree in elementary education. Student teaching at Murray Middle and Murray Elementary gave her confidence, and after a semester of substitute teaching back home, she landed her position at East Side this past spring.

By late summer, she had her own third-grade classroom, and to her surprise, several familiar faces had joined her. New hires this year also included Abby Thompson, Kelsey Anderson, Moriah Arnold, Dalton Brown, Hannah Wise, and Hayley Marks. Five of them—Allison, Abby, Kelsey, Moriah, and Dalton—had grown up in Marion and known each other through school, AmeriCorps, or family ties. “It’s been comforting to have familiar faces here,” Allison said. “We’re all new, but we lean on each other.”

Kelsey Anderson, the new speech pathologist, has been Allison’s friend since kindergarten. They share a birthday and grew up celebrating together. Abby and Moriah were younger classmates Allison had known through family circles, while Dalton was a friend of her older brother. “It’s kind of neat how we all ended up here,” she said.

That built-in support network has made the transition smoother. The group often texts, visits each other’s classrooms after school, or grabs meals to swap stories and advice. “It’s good to see the perspective of each grade,” Allison explained. “We’re all in different areas, but we understand what it’s like to be new. We encourage each other on hard days and celebrate the good ones too.”

Veteran teachers and administrators have provided steady guidance as well. Allison shares a wall with longtime third-grade teacher Brooke Robertson, who has been her go-to for questions big and small. Principal Amanda Stone and Assistant Principal Jason Varner also check in regularly. “They make sure we know we’re loved and that we’re doing the job we’re called to do,” Allison said. “Some days I leave feeling like I’m failing, but they remind me I’m not alone.”

Allison’s 22 third graders keep her days lively. Though smaller than last year’s 27-student classes, the group has a wide range of needs. “I love each and every one of them like they’re my own,” she said. “It’s been a learning curve figuring out how to support every student, but I’ve never felt like I had to do it by myself.”

Her support continues at home, where her mom shares strategies from her own classroom. Her dad may tire of school talk at the dinner table, but both parents are proud of her work. Living at home also allows Allison to save money while she establishes her career. She credits her boyfriend, Josh Melvin, an electrician from West Frankfort, with helping her find balance outside of school.

What excites her most, though, is the atmosphere that has developed at East Side since the new hires arrived. “Even after a hard day, I feel so much joy coming into school,” Allison said. “Everybody is uplifting. Everybody wants you to succeed. You can feel that when you walk in the doors.”

For Allison and her colleagues, this year is just the beginning. Together, they are bringing fresh energy, new ideas, and a supportive spirit to East Side Intermediate. Their presence has already sparked excitement among students and staff alike, a reminder that schools are renewed each year not just by those who graduate, but by those who step forward to teach.