Cyndi Loza

First he was fired. Then he retired. History teacher Paul Carlson has left Maine East High School twice in his career. The first time was in 1962 when he was let go for being too political in class. Now Carlson is ending his teaching career of his own accord, retiring after 50 years.

“It’s a record that I don’t think will ever be broken,” said Carlson, 71.

This month, Carlson wrapped up his last semester at the Park Ridge school after teaching history there since 1960. Before that, he taught middle school for three years.

By his count, Carlson has taught about 14,000 students. Among them was Hillary Rodham Clinton. He remembers Clinton as an outspoken student, a characteristic with which he identifies.

In 1968, Carlson challenged plans to build an addition at Maine East. And in 1980, he argued against efforts to close down the school. On both occasions, he won — key accomplishments in his career, he said.

“You learn to stick your neck out for things you believe in,” said Carlson.

Carlson was also never shy about airing his conservative opinions in the classroom, a quality that got him fired briefly in 1962.

One issue that concerns Carlson is political correctness in academia. He believes it is a “cancer” in the schools and a form of “fascism,” forcing people to think a certain way and limit the English language.

“It’s the most dangerous thing that has happened in public education,” said Carlson.