WEST HAVEN, Conn. (AP) _ Former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays has returned to the classroom as he embarks on a new career.

The New Haven Register reports (http://bit.ly/YFRyC7 ) that the former congressman is a distinguished fellow in public service at the University of New Haven.  He worked at the school in the late 1970s and early 1980s as an adjunct professor.

Shays, who lost to ex-wrestling executive Linda McMahon in last year’s race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, says he’s a good teacher. He says as congressman, he had to explain issues, which he says compares with teaching.

Shays is co-teaching classes on government and public policy with University of New Haven professors.

University President Steven H. Kaplan says Shays can provide students with an exposure to his first-hand experience in high levels of government.