FLIPPABLE: Beth Llewellyn McLaughlin for TX-HD97
The 4th in a family of 5 children, her father's career in the newspaper business meant frequent moves. Born in Portland, Oregon, she attended school in Napa and Burlingame, California before moving to Nebraska in 9th grade. Her parents encouraged her and her siblings to participate in their community. She was a competitive swimmer and a Girl Scout throughout high school and sang in the youth choir at church.
Already an avid explorer of the USA thanks to her family, her opportunity to spend a year in France as an exchange student while in high school shaped her professional future and made her a citizen of the world. She received a B.A. in French, German, and Political Science from the University of Nebraska, with Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors. She moved to Fort Worth in 1981. Exceptional communication skills, empathy for others and a tireless work ethic were all hallmarks of her 32-year career as a public high school teacher, 29 of them at Southwest High School, in District 97. Beth held numerous school and leadership positions in the FWISD. She served on local and state-level textbook adoption committees. She chose to retire in 2010 for personal growth and to explore new career opportunities.
In 2011, her husband John, who had begun a second career as a public school teacher, was diagnosed with blood cancer. She became a full-time caregiver and insurance advocate during his 2 years of intensive treatment. Although now disabled due to complications of treatment, he is cancer-free. His recovery allowed her to return to work part-time, a financial necessity. After completing training in 2012, Beth continues to serve as a volunteer docent at the Kimbell Art Museum, sharing her passion for this Fort Worth treasure with people of all ages. She follows politics intensely, believes in social and economic justice and in taking action to stand up for her beliefs. She wants to be a voice for her friends and neighbors in Fort Worth's District 97, where she has lived for many years. Her friends, former students, and family enthusiastically support her bid to represent them in Austin.
https://www.beth4tx97.com
