Retirement
As of May 15, 2026 I retire from teaching, after 50 years of teaching English, 27 years of that as an English Educator and 26 years at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I've written six books, so I am going to get back on that horse and write/ride some more!
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Arthur
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May 15, 2026 02:16PM
Congrats, Dave. Quite the run!
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Arthur wrote: "Congrats, Dave. Quite the run!"TY, but ah, it's not a hard life, sitting around talking and writing about books. I got lucky with this gig.
Best wishes! May you enjoy the years to come!
Dave wrote: "TY, but ah, it's not a hard life, sitting around talking and writing about books. I got lucky with this gig."The two years I spent teaching college comp during my MA were enough for me. Again, impressive!
Very nice! Congrats. What a great career you had and that you continue to build <3
Congratulations, Dave. Looking forward to seeing your upcoming books.
I've just been more or less 'revised' out in the middle of year 48 (about a decade in the high school system, the rest at universities). All the best for your retirement and your writing.
David wrote: "I've just been more or less 'revised' out in the middle of year 48 (about a decade in the high school system, the rest at universities). All the best for your retirement and your writing."So we are out to pasture together?!
But thanks, all, I always figured reading and telling people about books was just an extension of teaching English, in a way. Promoting reading, anyway. Sharing passion for stories.
Arthur wrote: "Dave wrote: "TY, but ah, it's not a hard life, sitting around talking and writing about books. I got lucky with this gig."The two years I spent teaching college comp during my MA were enough for ..."
Ha! Well, I wasn't cut out for any of the work my Dad tried to get me to do with him--putting up aluminum siding, windows and doors. He thought I might die in the streets or the gutter, with my head in the clouds with all this poetry and reading and acting in plays. He was terrified for me. I got lucky, Dad.
This reading iin community is a very interesting and enjoyable second career, though I hope the writing comes back in full force this summer. We'll see what happens. I read John O'Connor's Streets and Sans and got inspiration for telling my father's story, a project I abandoned for the most part years ago. Most writing projects don't come to fruition, but some do!
Must feel very weird, but sounds as if you're a man with a plan!
Congratulations! Hope Goodreads has a place in your newfound free time!
Congratulations, Dave, may you enjoy to the fullest this haven of time off :)
ty, friends. And yes, it feel weird, a bit, but it seems like things will not be so different for me, reading and writing a lot. Maybe more writing,
congratulations, Dave! you’ve had a great ride and are leaving in your own timing, which must be satisfying considering the alternatives we observe around us daily. i wish you the best with your writing goals 👍
Congratulations!! I really enjoyed your classes at UIC - you were a great professor. Enjoy retirement!
Congratulations!! I really enjoyed your class at UIC. I look forward to your future projects.
Rod wrote: "Congratulations! Hope Goodreads has a place in your newfound free time!"I can't seem to quit Goodreads. . .
Carol wrote: "congratulations, Dave! you’ve had a great ride and are leaving in your own timing, which must be satisfying considering the alternatives we observe around us daily. i wish you the best with your wr..."True, I was not fired as so many have been for unpopular views; I was not downsized a year from a pension; AI did not replace me, though this is one long term plan for teachers, and all-tech schools exist that have few paid humans, and son. I am lucky.
Rummanah (Books in the Spotlight) wrote: "Congratulations!! I really enjoyed your class at UIC. I look forward to your future projects." A few years ago, yes, and we are still regular Goodreads friends sharing our love of books!
You must have been such a brilliant teacher to your pupils – passionate about your subject and someone who could ask exactly the right questions to spark their thinking. Reading your words here on Goodreads, I simply can’t imagine it any other way. A teacher like you can really make a difference for young people. Enjoy your years ahead!
Moira wrote: "You must have been such a brilliant teacher to your pupils – passionate about your subject and someone who could ask exactly the right questions to spark their thinking. Reading your words here on ..."Well, "brilliant," Moira.. . . I can't accept that. It's not even true, though I hope my mother is reading this in Heaven! But I have been and continue to be passionate about books and ideas and stories. But thanks for the kind words.
Retirement advice, get a regular physical regimen going, physical health helps every other aspect of your life. Beyond that, what you said, reading and talking about books, not a bad life.
Rhys wrote: "Congratulations!! I really enjoyed your classes at UIC - you were a great professor. Enjoy retirement!" yr awesome, rhys!
Joe wrote: "Retirement advice, get a regular physical regimen going, physical health helps every other aspect of your life. Beyond that, what you said, reading and talking about books, not a bad life."ty, Joe, i walk or jog every day and go the gym 3 days a week, may increase.
Congratulations, Dave. Retirement has suited me. I am sure you will be active and happy. Robin
