Over the past 16 years you might have seen Richard Weiland riding his bike to school in snow, rain, and sunshine, but next year that will change.

After 42 years of teaching, the last 16 at ETHS, reading specialist teacher Richard Weiland is hanging up his boots and retiring from teaching.

“I will miss the students most of all, it’s a privilege to teach them,” said Weiland. “I got to see students grow and mature and have a real influence on their lives and that is a great gift.”

Weiland started at ETHS in 2000 and in his tenure he has taught English, US History, and Freshman Humanities. During the summer Weiland will continue to be the camp director of GoodSports! a sports camp he founded, that promotes a healthy lifestyle for kids with a wide variety of sports. Weiland plans to spend the start of his retirement enjoying the free time and volunteering in Spanish classes at ETHS in hopes of developing a better grasp on the language.

Before settling at ETHS Weiland spent time teaching at Chute and Haven Middle School, Dawes Elementary School, and King Lab.

Looking back on his time as a teacher, Weiland has witnessed a lot of changes happen at ETHS, most notably Allan Alson, the previous superintendent, dismantling a lot of the vocational classes in the school.

“Alson wanted every student to attend college, and while it’s a good philosophy but it’s not a reality,” said Weiland. “I wish the school would offer more vocational classes again for students who aren’t college bound.”

Weiland gave the majority of his life to helping Evanston kids, through both his work as a camp director and teacher. ETHS should feel honored to be the last stop of his professional teaching career.