Illie Benton never imagined she would be standing in front of a classroom full of students in 2024—much less at her high school stomping grounds of Butler College Prep. Now, she can’t imagine doing anything else.

“I truly believe education saves lives,” Benton said, “Especially for minority students living in urban areas with minimal resources.”

Benton started as a student at Butler in 2014, playing on the Lady Lynx basketball and softball teams all four years. Now, she teaches 9th-grade English in a classroom that is all too familiar.

Benton is a testament to the beautiful way life often comes full circle. But how did she get here?

In 2014, Benton was a freshman at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. She had big plans: To become a high-performing collegiate athlete on the basketball team and study education and social sciences.

Benton said her interest in education started with the impact the educators she encountered had on her. She said she always gained new perspectives from the people who stood at the front of her classrooms, and they encouraged her to gain as much knowledge as possible in this world. Benton wanted to provide the same for other students.

Benton was further inspired to pursue education after serving as a student assistant coach for the Allen University basketball team. The experience reaffirmed her passion for teaching and leading others as she carefully crafted game plans and guided the players.

She later refined her plans to become an English teacher on the Southside of Chicago within five years of graduating.

“Kids from Chicago, generally, are good with their words. They can articulate their thoughts using their voice. I figured if I taught them to have that same voice on a piece of paper, they would be able to achieve many things in the professional world,” Benton said.

Inspired by the strong community of educators she saw at Butler, Benton applied for a teaching position there in 2023, right after she graduated from college. And that’s how she found her way home to her #LynxFam.

“Butler taught me why and how to value education… I wanted students in my same neighborhood to get that same experience,” Benton said.

During her time as a student at Butler, Benton had many great mentors who pushed her to achieve her goals. She particularly appreciated the support of her advisor, Mrs. Stratton (then Ms. Robinson).

“Not only was she the dean and my advisor—which led to many memorable ‘tough love’ moments—but she cared for her profession and showed up consistently… She taught memorable life lessons, even after giving you the consequences. She is definitely someone to remember,” Benton said.

Around this time last year, Benton was incredibly excited to begin her teaching journey at Butler. She was also nervous since this was the first time she would serve as a full-time teacher.

In her first year, she faced both challenges and successes. She says she struggled to ensure that all her diverse learners were properly supported and growing. But she also celebrated her “biggest accomplishment” in teaching thus far—seeing high English PSAT growth amongst all three of her classes. She’s looking forward to implementing changes to improve her classroom for this upcoming year, including incorporating more opportunities for students to debate and discuss literature.

She said collaborating with other English teachers has helped refine her plans for this year’s incoming freshmen.

“To be a good teacher, you have to continue being a good student. I am always eager to learn from my coworkers about tactics they are using in their class to help students,” Benton said.

Other staff members and students at Butler appreciate Benton and what she brings to the Butler community.

Rashad Jefferson, a culture specialist at Butler, has watched Benton grow both as a student and now as a teacher.

“I was able to see Benton on the court, as well as in the classroom. She has always been passionate about the things she decides to get involved with, whether it was academics or athletics… She’s never given me the vibe that she would ‘half-do’ anything. If she decides to do it, she’ll give it her all,” Jefferson said.

“She’s a good teacher, and I’ve never had any problems in her class. If I ever had a problem, she’d notice,” said Jakeyah J., one of her students last year.

Benton is happy to be able to connect with current students as an alum in unique ways—with her memories of the same halls, classrooms, and teachers—and give back to her school community.

“Academically, Butler changed my life for the better. It is truly an honor to be able to pour the same love I was given into my students,” Benton said.