When Joy Butler talks about her 35 years as a teacher, it’s easy to forget that she’s nearing retirement. Her energy, love for learning, and genuine passion for children make her feel more like someone starting their career than someone closing it. But for Joy, every day in the classroom has been a new adventure, each moment filled with the possibility of inspiring young minds.

Born in Northern Kentucky, Joy's journey to Harrisburg was anything but straightforward. She was a preacher’s kid, and as is often the case, the family moved frequently. Eventually, her father's pastoral calling led them to Dorrisville Baptist Church in Harrisburg when Joy was in college. At first, she resisted. She loved the University of Kentucky and thought she'd stay there, but family ties pulled her to Southern Illinois. It turned out to be the best decision she never planned to make.

“I thought I'd go back to Kentucky after finishing my degree, but then I met my husband in Sunday school. He was born and raised here, and once we got married, Harrisburg became my home,” Joy reflects with a smile.

Over the years, Joy’s teaching career has spanned multiple grades and roles. She started in Pre-K, working on a unique home-based program where she visited three-year-olds in their homes, teaching parents how to foster early learning. “It wasn’t just about teaching the kids,” she recalls. “We were helping parents, too, showing them how to engage their children and create a learning environment in their home.” The experience taught Joy the importance of building strong relationships with families—a lesson that would shape her teaching philosophy.

Joy later transitioned to teaching first grade, then spent more than a decade with fifth graders before returning to Kindergarten, where her heart truly lies. “Kindergarten is where it all starts,” she says. “I love teaching kids how to read. It’s the foundation for everything they’ll do later in life.”

Teaching has not been without its challenges. One of Joy’s most difficult experiences came early in her career when a young student and her father tragically died in a house fire. “I had taught that little girl for three years, and it broke my heart,” Joy says, her voice still heavy with emotion after more than two decades. “That experience changed me as a teacher forever. It reminded me just how important our role is in these kids’ lives.”

Over the years, Joy has taught multiple generations, watching former students grow up and return to the district with children of their own. “I have kids now whose parents I taught,” she chuckles. “It’s funny when a child says, ‘You were my mom’s teacher!’ It makes me feel old, but it’s also really special to see how the community comes full circle.”

Joy has always gone above and beyond, not just teaching the fundamentals but also giving students a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom walls—whether it’s tutoring after hours or helping a parent in need of resources, Joy has always been there for her students and their families.

Now, as she prepares for retirement, Joy knows she’s not quite ready to leave teaching behind altogether. “This is my last full-time year,” she admits, “but I’m not done. I’ll probably do some tutoring, maybe substitute teaching. I just love being around the kids too much to stop completely.”

The Harrisburg community is lucky to have had Joy Butler for the past 35 years. Her impact on generations of students can’t be overstated. As she closes out this chapter of her life, one thing is clear: her legacy will continue in the lives of every student whose love for reading and learning was kindled by the woman they still fondly call “Mrs. Butler.”