David Drukker, with his earnest and laid-back yet thoughtful nature, makes every conversation feel worthwhile and important, and his zest for life shines through in his daily interactions in the halls of the Portsmouth High School English Department. 

Over the years Drukker has taught English 9, 10, Film Studies, Graphic Novels, Hero’s Quest, Public Speaking, and Real World English; however, the 2025-2026 school year will be the last for this beloved teacher, marking the end of his 33-year employment at PHS. 

Drukker became a teacher in 1993, and ever since, he has derived endless enjoyment from teaching high school by forging meaningful relationships with students and colleagues alike. 

This aligns with his favorite part about being a teacher, which is working with young people and helping them find their place in the world. 

“I feel like I’m helping them with their lives. All these classes help people, I think. That’s always been my goal. Why are we doing this? How does it help you?” said Drukker.

This goal has evidently been accomplished. Sophomore Lara Dargenio has known Drukker for all of her time at PHS, from being a member of his advisory to being his student. She views Drukker as a wonderful mentor who has positively impacted her life.

“He’s been the highlight of my experience at PHS. He’s one of the only teachers who has ever made an impact on me, and he’s the nicest guy ever,” she states. 

Drukker will most miss the students and his colleagues, especially those in the English department. Once again, he emphasizes the joy it brought him to work with so many young people with full lives and futures ahead of them. 

“There’s so much promise and future. It’s nice to be a part of helping [students] get to their future and discover themselves along the way,” he said.  

As much as Drukker has enjoyed spending time with his students, lovingly nicknamed Drukklings, they have equally enjoyed spending time with him. 

PHS Junior Jonah Tegeder has known Drukker since last spring, and participated in his Film Studies class this past quarter. Even prior to being his student, Tegeder flexed into Drukker’s classroom nearly every single day just to spend time with him.

“He has other interests than just grades, some other teachers have other interests, yes, but Mr. Drukker encourages getting off topic and it is so fun to talk with him about my interests like music and movies,” said Tegeder.

He recalls a fond memory of Drukker being during a class watch of 2001 A Space Odyssey where he and Drukker would dissect the scenes, and quote the movie. “I was so excited to be able to express my excitement of what I thought the movie meant,” continued Tegeder.

Tegeder also believes that Drukker has taught him many valuable life lessons, one of the biggest being time management.

Drukker will not only be missed by his students, but also by his colleagues. Lisa McAllister, another English teacher at PHS, has known Drukker since 2003, and is deeply saddened by his retirement. 

“Mr. Drukker is probably one of my closest friends at school,”  she said. “I am going to miss his friendship.” 

She also applauds him for his ability to form close bonds with students as they grow through high school because of his schedule which allows him to teach every grade level.

“He’s going to leave a huge hole here when he retires for sure,” said McAllister.

After this school year, Drukker will be staying busy. He has a plethora of hobbies and interests, including beekeeping, motorcycling, boating, cross-country and downhill skiing, disc golf, and working around the house. He also intends to spend time with friends, his two sons, and his partner, Joli.  

Though he has exciting plans in the near future, he will definitely be missed by teachers and students alike. Thank you for all of your work, Mr. Drukker!