By Heidi Li ’23 and Linda Phan ’22
Mr. Charlie Long, who will retire this year after 44 years at the School, has loved languages nearly his entire life. Before entering Oberlin College, from which he graduated with a triple major in Spanish, German, and the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language, Mr. Long took a gap year to teach English in Spain. Upon arriving at Choate, in 1976, Mr. Long was one of the teachers who taught the first Computer Applications Course.
Mr. Long also took up teaching Spanish, leaving a lasting impression on many of his students, who know him as “Don Carlos.” Jordan Azzinaro ’22, who was in Mr. Long’s Spanish 125 class during her freshman year, said, “He cultivated an energetic and fun atmosphere in the classroom, and some of the students I shared Spanish 125 with are still my best friends today. Even at times when I found it hard to adjust to life at Choate, I could always count on that class to make me feel comfortable and happy at school while learning Spanish along the way. Don Carlos never fails to make his students smile and laugh, and I am very grateful to have had him as a teacher.”
Students also commented on Mr. Long’s willingness to help his students when they needed assistance. “Coming from a public school, I never really had a legitimate Spanish class where I truly learned to speak the language. He had high expectations of his students but would do anything to help them meet those expectations. He was very devoted to teaching his students and helping them learn all they could,” said Kayce Madancy ’22.
While his students enjoyed his classes, Mr. Long, himself, had fun teaching them. He says he will miss the classroom and students more than any other aspect of working at Choate. As a Spanish teacher, Mr. Long was also interested in expanding the language department by further developing special programs. He held positions that include the Director of Language Learning Center, the Director of International Programs, and the Founding Director of Term Abroad in Spain.
Mr. Long has also taken on a large role in Choate Athletics during his time here at Choate. He led the Ski Club and coached the Ski Team, Boys’ JV Lacrosse, and Girls’ JV Hockey.
After his retirement from Choate, Mr. Long hopes to spend time with his family, ski, and bicycle.
Certainly, his contributions to the Choate community as a beloved Spanish teacher and athletics coach will be remembered for years to come.
