After 31 years of teaching, Catasauqua High School English and journalism teacher Charlie Post has decided to move on to the next stage of his life.

In reflecting on his career of teaching at CHS, Post sees himself as being very fortunate.

"I never considered this a job," he says of teaching. "I very rarely say in the morning 'I'm going to work.' I say, 'I'm going to school.'"

Post said he started teaching in the Catasauqua Area School District September of 1976. He was permanently hired by the school district as an English teacher a year later.

"By luck or design, I feel I'm where I'm supposed to be," he said.

Throughout his career, Post has taught ninth through 11th grade English, an SAT prep course and journalism.

He said CHS stopped publishing a school newspaper in 1976. In 1993, Post was asked by now retired teacher Lynda Spevack if he was interested in volunteering to assist with starting the paper back up. Post agreed.

He credits the school administration and specifically CHS Principal David Ascani with ensuring The Brown & White continues to be offered as a means of providing news to the students, school and district as a whole.

"I give Dave Ascani credit for supporting us and fighting for us," said Post.

Teaching, Post said, is a passion he has embraced and relished each day.

"I've enjoyed standing in front of the class and delivering the message," he says with a smile on his face. "I love to look out and see the faces engaged."

Although the economy the past few years for teachers has not been optimistic for those desiring to enter the profession, Post does not discourage those with an interest in teaching. He warns, however, a career in teaching may require one to live and teach outside of Pennsylvania in order to find a job opening.

"If you want to teach and that's your passion, go after that passion," Post explained. "Sadly, it's going to mean you'll have to leave the state."

Retirement plans for Post include playing golf, exercising more and reading on a recreational level.

"The thing that intrigues me most about retirement is control of my day," he said. "To not hear any bells, that could be interesting."

Post and his wife have three children between the ages of 20 and 26, so he looks forward to having more personal time to spend with them and to pursue personal interests.

CHS students will deeply miss him.

"You come across a teacher like Mr. Post once in a lifetime," said junior editor of The Brown & White Matt Trust. "My time working with him with the paper was a blessing and I'll always be grateful."

In addition to teaching, Post also served as the CHS head cross country coach and was the advisor for the National Honor Society and Scholastic Scrimmage teams.

He says he plans to serve as a substitute teacher in the school district during the next academic year.