Mr. Larsen serves in our Social Studies department. He has lived many lives before finding his true calling in education. Before teaching, he spent a decade in banking—serving as vice president of a bank in Tulsa—and also worked as a cabinet shop manager and audio engineer for a news station. While working as a loan officer, Justin experienced a foreclosure that deeply impacted him and ultimately led him to make a change. He went back to school with an interest in both teaching and law—and chose education, specifically history, as the path that felt right.

Now in his fifth year at Joplin High School, Justin teaches social studies and loves every moment of it. He completed his student teaching under Mr. LaTurner and spent his first two years in ISD before moving into the classroom full-time. He recently earned his master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, furthering his commitment to his craft. A Government professor he had during his first year of college in 1999 left a lasting impression—and today, Justin strives to be that same kind of teacher for his students.

Born in Germany, Justin moved to the United States as a child and grew up mainly in Mississippi before settling in Miami, Oklahoma, where he graduated high school. He comes from a small family—his mom and brother—but has built a family of his own with three children: a set of 16-year-old twins who live in Commerce, OK, and a 21-year-old at the University of Oklahoma. He and his partner of 11 years, who is completing her mortuary science degree, plan to run a funeral home together in the near future.

Outside the classroom, Justin is full of creative energy. He plays in a local band with fellow teacher Mr. Wood called Friends with Strange. He also plays disc golf, and is a passionate reader—finishing 156 books last year alone. A talented photographer, his classroom walls feature his own work. His tattoos, which took more than 40 hours in the chair to complete, are also a big part of his hobbies and identity. 

Looking ahead, Justin doesn’t plan on slowing down. He dreams of running the mortuary business with his partner. Retirement, for him, won’t mean stopping—it’ll just mean starting the next adventure.

For Julie McCain, teaching has always been part of her story. With a grandmother who was a teacher and a lifelong love for helping others, she knew education was in her future. Early on, she imagined herself in an elementary classroom—but during student teaching, she discovered her true passion in special education. While in college, she volunteered with the Special Olympics and found herself drawn to the community, relationships, and purpose it offered. That experience inspired her to pursue a career supporting students with special needs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern and her master’s in Special Education from Pittsburg State University. Originally born in Illinois just outside of Chicago, Julie moved to Carl Junction in first grade and graduated from CJ. Julie has been at Joplin High School for 14 years, where she teaches Life Skills and Practical Living Skills. Fun fact, she student taught with Mr. Dixon to start her career off on the right foot. 

Beyond the classroom, Julie plays an active role in JHS life. She sponsors The Nest, helping raise funds and coordinate donors so students can create spirit signs and items that promote school pride for athletic events. She also leads the Peer Buddy Program, which pairs general education students with students with special needs to foster friendships and inclusion beyond the classroom. The program now includes around 175 students who participate in monthly community outings to practice life skills. Julie also serves as a Fusion Coordinator alongside Coach Cox and is part of the PBIS team, helping make JHS a more positive and connected place for everyone.

Family is at the heart of Julie’s world. She and her husband, Chris, have been married for 11 years. Chris works as a welder for Republic Services, and together they have two children—Malachi, a third grader, and Emery, a first grader at Cecil Floyd. Outside of school, Julie loves to travel and spend time outdoors. Much of her free time revolves around family activities—especially her son’s soccer games and time spent exploring new places together.

Looking ahead, Julie dreams of one day backpacking through Europe, her ultimate travel goal. But most of all, she looks forward to continuing to make a difference for her students—and, someday, to spoiling her future grandkids along the way.

Mr. Lorin Curtis for coordinating the Christmas of Hope for JHS/FTC that helps Foster Kids in our community. Overall, FTC/JHS raised $5,555.00 during this fundraiser. Thank you Mr. Curtis for taking on this very worthwhile project!

Ms. Ebony Palmer, who helped calm down a very upset parent while she was filling in at the front desk. Thank you, Ms. Palmer.

Dr. David Armstrong for writing/editing the narratives for our Cognia visit. Thank you Dr. Armstrong for sharing your writing talents with us.

Monday, December 8, 2025 - Regular Bell Schedule

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - Regular Bell Schedule

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - Block Day Schedule ODD (1-3-5-7)

Thursday, December 11, 2025 - Block Day Schedule EVEN - (2-6-4-Transitions)

Friday, December 12, 2025 - Regular Bell Schedule

“Nothing we ever imagined is beyond our powers, only beyond our present self-knowledge” – Theodore Roszak