Teacher in poem controversy resigns

AMHERST

An English teacher who came under public scrutiny after teaching a poem with vulgar language has resigned from Souhegan High School, effective at the end of the school year, said Principal Ted Hall.

Christine Schadler’s resignation was accepted by the School Board at its April 8 meeting, Hall said.

Earlier in the year, Schadler read aloud “Curse Two: The Naming,” by Cynthia Huntington, the state poet laureate, to a world literature class for juniors. The poem contains graphic language. In March, Hall stated that the poem was objectionable and inappropriate for a high school classroom.

This was Schadler’s first year of teaching at Souhegan. She is a former college professor.