McLaughlin retiring after 50 years of teaching

As yet another school year comes to a close, so does one of the longest and most well-known Magnolia teaching careers in recent memory. On May 29, the final day of the public school year, Janice McLaughlin, English and literature teacher of 50 years, will retire from the profession that has occupied most of her life.

The educator known for her easy-going demeanor and her love of literature and fashion began her teaching days in Texarkana, after graduating from Southern State College (now SAU). She spent six years on the Arkansas side of the border town before moving to Magnolia and its public school district.

“I was honored to fulfill my 50 years in education right here, in my hometown,” she said.

While teaching, she married her husband, Curtis, and lived a life of enjoyment and companionship for 40 years, until his passing in 2016. The two formed a life in Magnolia, having two children together: a daughter, Lori, and a son, Brandon.

During her career, Janice taught English and grammar-related coursework ranging from grades seven through 12. She also instructed adult education night school, as well as playing a significant part in school publications for more than a decade.

“I taught and sponsored journalism, yearbook, and the school newspaper for 12 years at MHS,” she said. “I also really enjoyed teaching the summer program CPEP (an ACT test prep and skills course) for 25 years. One of the highlights of my career was when students shared with me how their ACT scores had risen high enough for a better scholarship.”

The long-time educator also fondly remembered the summers off and the world-trekking around the globe with Curtis. He took extended vacation periods after building time during his 30-year career with Alcoa in Magnolia, after beginning his as a Linotype machine operator at the Banner-News. In his newspaper days, he put himself through college while he fitted and printed the daily edition. It was also during that time that Janice began printing all of her exams and worksheets in the font, Palatino Linotype. To this day, she still enjoys discussing the art of printing and the old days of the school newspaper, The Broadcaster.

On their summer travels, the husband and wife visited at least 10 countries and toured Europe, a month at a time. The experiences would have never taken place, though, without the extended breaks that came with being a teacher.

“That was my favorite part,” she said.

When at school, Janice worked with countless dedicated associates, both on the administrative side and with fellow teachers. She was even voted Teacher of Year by the staff at MHS – one of the more cherished memories of her career.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of the outstanding educational team at Magnolia Public Schools,” she said. “I wish only the best for the future of the school system, and plan to stay in touch with those who have been such an important part of my life.”

In her retirement, Janice plans to visit family in Phoenix and Denver and catch up on her reading, all while keeping fit, volunteering, and, of course, traveling. She also hopes to one day have a future as an author, as she might pen a book or novel. Regardless of her choices from here on out, the respected and veteran teacher will have plenty of time to do whatever she desires.

“I think I’ll sleep a little later too,” she said. “I may stroll around the block around 10 in the morning and possibly let my nails completely dry before I rush out the door.”

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