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Farewell, Mr. Feinberg

By Karla Barrientos: As the school year is finally coming to an end, we have to say farewell to the teachers who are retiring, but what makes this year special is saying farewell to the well beloved Senior English teacher, Mr. Feinberg. The teacher who always wears colorful ties has won the respect of many students throughout his 34 years working at Chelsea High. He stands out for his easy-going personality and his continual striving to teach his students that enjoying life is important. Whether discussing Dickens's, "Great Expectations" or Shakespeare's, "Macbeth," Mr. Feinberg never runs out of things to say, and he makes it easy for his students to understand what is going on.

Mr. Feinberg lived in Chelsea his entire childhood and graduated from the same school at which he would soon work. He was always fond of kids, sports, coaching, and teaching and that inspired him to pursue a career that involved kids and teaching them about the values in life. I asked Mr. Feinberg what he enjoys most about teaching at CHS. "Seeing how kids improve and getting kids to graduate," he said. "?Also seeing kids' parents whom I taught a few years ago."

Although he has been pleased seeing kids progress over the years, Mr. Feinberg didn't agree with the decision to give Boston University control of the school district, and he has regretted. "I didn't like it when Boston University took over the Chelsea Public School system," he said. "I don't say this because BU did a good or bad job, but because it was an embarrassment to the city of Chelsea." Mr. Feinberg also doesn't like the school being so focused on teaching the MCAS exams and the increase in classes solely aimed at passing the test.

Mr. Feinberg also gave his view on how teaching has changed over the years. "There was a lot more freedom on what we wanted to teach and when. There was more strictness and structure, and discipline was a lot better." Regardless of the differences, he has always enjoyed spending time with his students and building friendships with peers.

After many years teaching at Chelsea High School, Mr. Feinberg decided to retire but he leaves with pride, "I'm glad because it's been a long time teaching and now that I've earned 80% of salary with my pension it wouldn't make sense financially not to leave," he said. However, he said that he will miss friendships with peers and students at Chelsea High. As for the future, Mr. Feinberg commented that he doesn't have many plans, but since one of his hobbies is traveling it's a probability he will travel. "I like going west and to Las Vegas," he said. "I love meeting people and seeing different parts of the world." In addition, Mr. Feinberg will continue his hobbies of collecting antiques and going outdoors.

In the end, teachers and students will always remember this mellow; warm hearted, and laid-back teacher who is changing course for a new direction in life. Before he retires, Mr. Feinberg wanted to express his gratitude to all the staff at CHS. "I want to thank all of the faculty, especially members of the English department - Mr. Allan, Mr. Renzi, Ms. Gagnon - and other teachers, including Mr. Nemon, Ms. Quinn, and Ms. Whitley, whom are among the older teachers I started working with."

As for the seniors, Mr. Feinberg wanted to share a few words with them before graduation. "Don't waste a day of your life," he said, "everyday should be meaningful. Life is short and enjoy everything you can."

Article posted to chs.chelseaschools.com: .

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Random step you can take to help reduce global warming number 19 is...

• Recycle your organic waste -- Around 3% of the greenhouse gas emissions through the methane is released by decomposing bio-degradable waste. By recycling organic waste or composting it if you have a garden, you can help eliminate this problem! Just make sure that you compost it properly, so it decomposes with sufficient oxygen, otherwise your compost will cause methane emissions and smell foul.