Social studies teacher makes history after educating for 53 years

Paul Durietz has made history with his record-breaking career. 

The 76-year-old educator from Gurness, Illinois, USA, who has been teaching for 53 years, broke the record for the longest career as a social studies teacher on 1 September.

Paul has been teaching at Woodland Middle School, District #50 since 1 September 1970.

He says his interest in history comes from his parents. 

His father, Alfred Durietz, fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, where he received a Purple Heart. 

“As a young boy, my father sparked my interest in history by telling me his involvement in the war by going into German bunkers and finding helmets, luger pistols, and uniforms,” said Paul. 

My mother, Opal Pembroke Durietz, is related to the Earl of Pembroke of England, which piqued my interest in studying the Middle Ages.

At the age of 11, and after many conversations with his father, Paul was certain social studies would be his field of study. 

When Paul began teaching in 1970, Richard Nixon was President of the United States, the Vietnam War was rampant, and the Beatles were still together.

“Taking on the role as social studies curriculum coordinator since the inception of the position in 1986 has allowed me to lead over 20 social studies teachers,” he said. 

I provide resources, curriculum guidance, and act as the liaison between administration and the department.

Throughout his time at Woodland Middle School, Paul even developed and led various social studies workshops and established social studies programs including Civil War days, school mock political elections, and geography bees. 

Paul’s favourite social studies topics to teach are WWI and WWII. 

He has not yet retired because he loves teaching and imparting knowledge to younger generations.

In fact, one of his favourite memories is when a former student emailed him to let him know that he had become a social studies teacher and that Paul had played a role in his career choice due to his engagement during class.

Paul was persuaded by family, friends, and coworkers to apply to Guinness World Records. 

Although he does not have any plans to break any additional record titles, he would like to attempt to be the longest-serving teacher at the same school and to break his current record of 53 years as a social studies teacher.

Paul says earning a Guinness World Records title is the greatest career achievement one could attain and urges those wanting to become teachers themselves to have patience for the students and a passion for the subject.

“Keep working on what you love to do in life,” he said. 

Source: Guinnesworldecords