With 17 years of teaching under his belt, Joe De Ciechi decided to make the transition from teaching to retirement. Over the years, De Ciechi has become a familiar face around North to students taking Personal Finance and Marketing.

“[Marketing] was my major in college and I have always enjoyed business,” said De Ciechi.

Before teaching at North, De Ciechi applied his business skills at Rosary High School for one year. Although he did not teaching Marketing there, he taught a variety of other business subjects.

“I like both [Personal Finance and Marketing], but I got into teaching to teach Marketing,” said De Ciechi.

Over his 16 years here at North, De Ciechi has had many good memories, but no particular favorite. However, like most teachers, De Ciechi does have aspects of his teaching career he would have changed.

“There’s been students I haven’t been able to reach or help,” De Ciechi said. “I wish I could have reached them.”

Although De Ciechi has a passion for teaching and business, when the opportunity came knocking, he decided to leave the teaching field to experience retired life.

“When I became eligible to retire, my decision was mainly based on the fact that I was eligible,”said De Ciechi.

In retirement, most teachers have plans to travel the world or pick up old hobbies. De Ciechi, however, doesn’t have any major plans and just wants to continue living “life as usual.” Although De Ciechi will certainly miss teaching, he believes there will be plenty more to experience throughout his retirement.