T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY Jill Simons, pictured with students in her fifth grade class, is retiring after 43 years of teaching at St. Francis Catholic School in Marshalltown.

A teacher is one of a child’s earliest influencers — a model for good citizenship, kindness and a strong work ethic. Jill Simons has spent the last 43 years instilling values in her students, guiding them in their faith, and building lifelong friendships with her colleagues. On June 5, she will retire from St. Francis Catholic School. Most of her career was spent teaching sixth grade, with the last two years in the capacity of fifth grade teacher.

Born Jill Kopel in Marshalltown, her family relocated to Mankato when she was nine. Simons graduated from Mankato West Senior High School then went on to attend Minnesota State University at Mankato.

“I think I was pretty undecided until probably my first or second year of college, and then I think at that point I knew I wanted to be a teacher,” she said.

Originally, she planned to go into special education but graduated in 1981 instead with a degree in elementary education.

“I worked as a teacher’s aide when I was in college with classes of students with intellectual disabilities, and I really enjoyed that. I found it challenging and rewarding,” she added.

She taught for one year in southern Minnesota then moved back to Marshalltown to marry her husband Steve.

She recalled her experience attending St. Mary’s Catholic School as a child and decided to inquire about job openings within the Marshalltown Area Catholic School system. Principal Jim Agnew hired her to teach a combined classroom of third and fourth graders. She noted those early years of teaching are some of the hardest an instructor will encounter.

“He definitely was a mentor. He was always very supportive of me as a young teacher, providing me with lots of encouragement and just made me feel very welcome from the start,” she said. “Student teaching only semi-prepares you for the teaching world. You need those people to keep you enthused and provide professional development opportunities and keep you motivated to keep trying new things and make you feel like a valued member of your school community.”

Simons and her husband started a family and it soon became clear to Simons that St. Francis was where she wanted to put down roots.

“The faith element was always there as well — being able to make connections with faith, myself and with my students and my colleagues, was a huge factor in challenging me to stay as well,” she said.

In 1992, she switched to teaching sixth grade. Throughout her career, she has served on SIAC (School Improvement Advisory Committee), Catholic Dimension Committee, Guardian Pride Committee, Building Leadership Committee and Curriculum Committee.

“Her dedication extends far beyond the classroom walls. Jill regularly stays after school to help students who need a little extra time and encouragement. Whether it’s reviewing math concepts, helping with reading fluency, or simply offering a listening ear, she ensures that no child feels left behind,” said St. Francis Principal Julie Graber.

While there have been numerous technological advancements over the past 40 years, school consolidation stands out to Simons as one of the most impactful changes.

“The old St. Mary’s building is where grades third through sixth were located, and here at the St. Henry’s building, they had kindergarten through second,” she explained. “Ten years ago, the grades combined into one building. That was a massive undertaking for all of us at that time but it’s been a huge benefit to all be together. The older students can interact with the younger students. We’ve got different activities that they do together.”

Graber complimented Simons’ ability to embody the heart and soul of Catholic teaching, hitting a balance between providing structure and compassion, while holding high expectations for students.

“Her classroom is not only a place of learning, but a place of wonder, discovery and joy,” Graber said. “Her peers value her as a trusted confidant — someone who brings wise counsel, a calm presence, and a steady source of encouragement when it’s needed most. Jill truly lives out the mission of Catholic education. She teaches not only with her head, but with her heart. She models faith, compassion and professionalism in everything she does.”

In retirement, she plans to spend more time with Steve, their daughters Sarah, Beth and Courtney, and their families. She also plans to do lots of traveling with family and friends.

“I hoped to make that difference for children. It’s the biggest reason that kept me in teaching for as long as I’ve been. When you see children coming to an understanding of academics, life skills, of their faith, that kind of spurs you to keep going,” Simons said.