A former teacher and English department chair, Jim Mahoney has retired several times, having been called back to serve for one more season at different schools. He currently works with school districts on curriculum and staff development. The recipient of New York State English Council's Teacher of Excellence and Programs of Excellence awards, plus two CLASS awards for curriculum design, he has also been awarded three NEH Fellowships. He encourages readers to write to him at campyhits@aol.com.