For A.J. Segers, becoming a teacher wasn’t always part of the plan. Raised in Marion, Illinois, A.J. grew up in a family of educators but initially set his sights on a career in law enforcement. However, life took him in a different direction—one that led him to Benton Grade School, where he’s now a first-year third-grade teacher. And while he may be new to the classroom, A.J. is already making a big impact on his students and the school community.

Coming from a family with deep ties to education—his father is a fifth-grade teacher, and his mother works as a school social worker—A.J. had a front-row seat to the world of teaching. But as a child, he was determined to chart his own course. “I didn’t want to be in education,” he admits. “I saw what my parents did, and I wanted to do something different.” Initially, that something different was law enforcement, and A.J. even spent time working as a 911 dispatcher in Marion. But the work wasn’t what he expected, and he soon realized that it wasn’t the right fit for him.

It was a shift in mindset—and the encouragement of his wife, Alex—that led A.J. back to education. “My wife convinced me to give teaching a try,” he explains. “She knew I loved working with kids, and she was right—I ended up loving it.” A.J. began observing his father and other male teachers, trying to envision himself in their roles. The more he observed, the more it clicked. “I realized I could see myself doing what they were doing, and I felt like I could make a real difference.”

And make a difference he has. In his first year at Benton Grade School, A.J. teaches 23 third graders, a role he’s embraced wholeheartedly. “Third grade is the perfect age,” he says with a smile. “The kids are still excited to come to school, and they haven’t developed that attitude you sometimes see in older grades.” Coming from a year of student teaching in fifth grade, A.J. was excited about the opportunity to work with younger students, and Benton felt like the perfect fit.

From the start, A.J. has focused on building strong relationships with his students. “I knew I wouldn’t have everything figured out in my first year, but I wanted to make sure I got three things right,” he explains. “I wanted to build good relationships with my students, set high expectations for them, and bring passion back into school.” These goals have guided A.J.’s approach to teaching, and his students have responded positively. “At the beginning of the school year, some of my students told me they didn’t want to leave on Fridays,” A.J. says, laughing. “I told them, ‘Give it time, that might change,’ but so far, they still don’t want to leave.”

In addition to fostering a positive classroom environment, A.J. emphasizes the importance of developing a growth mindset in his students. “I want them to understand that just because they don’t know something yet doesn’t mean they won’t learn it eventually,” he says. “I want them to believe they can learn and grow, even if it takes time.”

Outside the classroom, A.J. is an avid outdoorsman with a love for hunting, fishing, and hiking. He even started college on a bass fishing scholarship before deciding to stay local to be with his now-wife. Together, they enjoy playing pickleball with friends—a sport that’s become a favorite pastime. “It’s a lot of fun, but keeping score can be tricky,” A.J. jokes. “We only recently realized we’d been keeping score wrong for months.”

A.J.’s love for the outdoors and adventure mirrors his approach to teaching—he’s all in, ready to embrace challenges and grow along the way. His sense of humor, combined with his genuine care for his students, has made him a beloved part of Benton Grade School in a short amount of time.

As A.J. reflects on his first year of teaching, he’s grateful for the support he’s received from the Benton community and his colleagues. “The third-grade team here is fantastic,” he says. “I’m lucky to be part of such a great group of teachers who care about their students and each other.”

Looking ahead, A.J. is excited about the future and the impact he can continue to make in the classroom. “I love what I do,” he says. “Being in education gives you the opportunity to make a difference every single day, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

For Benton Grade School, having A.J. Segers on board is a testament to the district’s commitment to providing students with passionate, dedicated educators who are ready to inspire the next generation. And as A.J. continues to grow in his role, the Benton community can feel confident that its young learners are in good hands.