When Rachel Marlo stepped into her fifth-grade classroom at Benton Grade School for the first time, she didn’t feel like just another new teacher. For Rachel, education wasn’t a first career—it was a calling that she discovered later in life, one built on a strong foundation of compassion, service, and personal growth.

Rachel’s journey to becoming a teacher is as inspiring as it is unexpected. Born and raised in nearby Sesser, Rachel didn’t immediately pursue education. Instead, her first degree was in psychology, earned from Mississippi State University. But while she was studying in Starkville, she discovered a new passion—children’s ministry. “I didn’t know you could get paid to work with kids in ministry,” she admits with a laugh. “Where I come from, even pastors didn’t always get paid.”

This newfound love for working with kids and her strong faith led Rachel into a role as a children’s minister for five years, serving in a church in Flora. But when her life took an unexpected turn with the adoption of her son, Rachel realized that she needed to move back to Sesser to be closer to his biological siblings, who were also adopted by local families. “I wanted him to be near his brother and sister,” she explains. “So we moved back, and that’s when I knew I needed a career change.”

That’s how Rachel found herself back in school, earning her teaching license through an online program at the University of West Florida. And by the time August rolled around, she was ready to start her new career as a fifth-grade teacher at Benton Grade School.

“I’m a first-year teacher in many ways,” Rachel says, “but I’m also grateful that I didn’t start teaching when I was younger.” While acknowledging that that’s a path that fits others beautifully, for her, the path with a few more years on it was the better fit, sharing, “The life experiences I’ve had have made me a more confident teacher.” With a background in psychology and years of experience working with children in ministry, Rachel brings a deep understanding of what it takes to connect with students, especially those who may be struggling.

Building relationships is at the heart of her approach, and it’s clear that her students feel the difference. “I tell them, ‘I know you can be successful in my class, but you have to own your education. If you don’t understand something, come talk to me, and we’ll figure it out together,’” Rachel says. This open-door policy has allowed her to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking for help and taking charge of their learning.

But as with any first-year teacher, there have been surprises. “I didn’t expect to see such a wide difference in my students’ readiness,” Rachel admits. Even with these challenges, Rachel’s students have made incredible progress, and she’s excited to begin the writing process with them. “They’re ready now,” she says proudly. “And they’re excited about it, too.”

Outside of the classroom, Rachel is making an impact in another important area of Benton Grade School life— basketball. A former all-state basketball player herself, Rachel’s love for the sport runs deep. “Basketball has always been a part of my identity,” she says. “I played from the time I was five years old until an ACL injury ended my career in high school.” Now, she’s coaching the junior high girls’ basketball team, bringing the same sense of teamwork and empowerment to the court that she fosters in the classroom.

“I’m really excited to give back to the sport that gave me so much,” Rachel says. “Basketball was an outlet for me, and my coaches believed in me when I needed it most. I want to do that for these girls.”

Rachel’s journey is one of resilience, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference. Whether she’s teaching grammar in her fifth-grade classroom or leading drills on the basketball court, Rachel Marlo is inspiring the next generation at Benton Grade School to dream bigger and work harder. And in a community that values its young people, it’s easy to see why her story resonates.