Reported by Nataliya Zhatkhey

After 17 years of teaching in Niles North and 33 years of teaching overall, Barbara Ude is retiring this year. She started teaching in Niles North as a substitute teacher and moved her way up to being a full-time teacher and an ELL program coordinator.

During her years at North,  Ude taught ELL Social Studies and English. She also participated in travel committee for ELL and language departments. The main reason she joined Niles North was her passion for working with immigrants and learning their backgrounds and immigration stories. “Students at Niles North are energetic and eager to learn. That’s why I never had a dull moment teaching here,” she said.

After retiring, Ude plans to volunteer at Evanston Hospital and her local library. She also hopes to organize and work with retired female teachers. Ude plans to spend next winter in Florida with some old friends. She appreciates her Niles North colleagues for giving her “great suggestions and support” and her students for making her career enjoyable.

She is going to miss everyone while enjoying her retirement.