I also attended school in S. IL. They certainly were some paddle happy teachers and Principals. I think I would have certainly tested your Ms. Preston just for fun. By the time I was in 7th grade I don’t think a female teacher could have scared me very much. Your description of her paddle doesn’t sound like it was long enough. 12″X5″ seems too short and too wide. Also you didn’t mention how thick the paddle was.
By the time I was in Jr. High every teacher and principal used what can only be described as a Frat paddle except the Principal’s paddle was always longer. Those long heavy paddles can really change your attitude quick. A typical teachers paddle was 24″x4″x1″ . The Principal’s paddle was the same only about a foot longer.