Lois McGuire joins EFMC board
Lois McGuire
Lois McGuire, who has enjoyed an esteemed career in the academic world, has joined the board of the Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC).
The news was shared by Lisa Rhodes, EFMC Executive Director, who has worked closely with McGuire on several EFMC projects. “Lois has been a life-long education advocate and longtime supporter of the EFMC. We are fortunate to now have Lois lend her leadership and expertise as a board member.”
McGuire and her husband moved to Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club from Bayonne, N.J. in 2002. Prior to that she spent decades teaching in New Jersey schools, beginning her career as a fourth and fifth grade teacher, rising to Superintendent of Schools in Kinnelon, the job from which she retired.
She received several awards for excellence in teaching from the State of New Jersey. A highlight of McGuire’s career came when she was asked to join then-New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean at a Governor’s Conference in Cincinnati to discuss at-risk youth.
McGuire earned a Doctorate in Education from Rutgers University and has been a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education and the New Jersey Department of Education.
A born teacher through and through, McGuire created an innovative English as Second Language program when she first moved to Harbour Ridge. Many employees in the community’s landscape, food services and maintenance departments were Spanish-speaking only, making it difficult for them to communicate with residents.
McGuire organized the scores of retired teachers who lived in Harbour Ridge to teach English in a five-day a week program that continued for four-plus years. The attendees earned GEDs, became US citizens and prospered in their jobs. The program was retired when it was no longer needed.
McGuire has also been a member of the Library Foundation of Martin County.
She currently teaches Mah Jongg at Harbour Ridge, where 135 residents take part in a high-energy weekly game. It has become the basis of a successful fundraiser for the Education Foundation of Martin County. This year’s EFMC Charity Mah Jongg Tournament at Harbour Ridge is scheduled for March 3, 2023.
McGuire is the successful author of several books: Don't Be That KID! at Home, Don’t Be That KID! At School and the Don’t Be That KID! At School Resource Guide to help educators and parents guide their children through the maze of building essential positive character traits.
McGuire says she always wanted to be a teacher. “I love to be engaged in something that helps children. It has been my whole life and it will never stop. I am honored to be a part of a group of dedicated community members who want to assist teachers to expand the educational possibilities for children in Martin County.”
To learn more about the Education Foundation of Martin County, visit www.educationfoundationmc.org