George Schmidt stories and tributes on Substance October 2018 homepage
The October 2018 Substance News homepage is devoted to stories and comments about editor George N. Schmidt, who died on Sept. 17, 2018. Stories about George’s personal life appear on the left column of the homepage; articles about his work life are posted on the right. Thanks to the many Substance reporters and contributors for bylining these articles.
Since 1975, Substance has been advocating for economic justice and professional respect for teachers, democracy within the Chicago Teachers Union and improved public schools. In addition to co-founders George Schmidt and Larry MacDonald, editors of Substance have included the late Leo Gorenstein and retired teacher Terry Czernik
To contact me, currently serving as Substance editor, email sharongriffinschmidt@gmail.com.
Substance editor, retired teacher and union leader George Schmidt poses with his sons Josh, Dan and Sam, and wife Sharon Schmidt in 2016.
By: Rich Gibson
George
As they say, when an old man dies, a library dies. George was my friend. But he was also a resource of volumes of material that we shared together, tossing references back and forth, always trying to gain and test knowledge in our mutual search for what is the truth. We both knew we would, from time to time, disagree--and we did. But we both shared the respect of two guys who genuinely wanted to know what is up and what to do. I shall miss our long, long phone chats. We came from somewhat different backgrounds. For example, his early practical work was with troops and vets while I focused on students, but we had the same north star, a just, equitable world won through class struggle. For me, the conversations can never be replaced. Sad, but with great respect...