want to become a teacher...but mid-40s....too late?

Anonymous
It has been my heart's desire....and yes, I know it is a hard job...I just think the world of children....always have...and actually enjoy their drama, learning, and challenges. My kids are in school all day and I'm tempted to get my M.A....thoughts
Anonymous
You could look for an alternative licensure program for career changers. It might take less time. Don't count on finding many jobs in the next few yrs though unless you are in a high needs area.
Anonymous
I work in higher ed and see many, many individuals who come in for teaching certification after they're forty or fifty, for that matter. You can do it: good luck!
Anonymous
Job market is really bad. Was going to do a teacher residency in PG County but funding got cut and they couldn't guarantee fulltime position. Good luck to you. Hopefully, this is an option for me soon.
Anonymous
Ugh. Don't do it!!! I say this as someone who LOVES kids and absolutely LOVES teaching. But, unfortunately teaching is no longer teaching. It is "test-prepping." I did it for the last 7 years and it is the most stressful thing in the world. I would seriously consider going into it. I don't think mid-40's is too late, necessarily. I just don't recommend that anyone become a teacher after my experiences. I was literally sick with stress. I wish someone would have warned me. But, it was my dream so I probably wouldn't have listened.
Anonymous
Depends. What age or grades are you thinking about teaching?
Anonymous
4th-8th grades....language arts....
Anonymous
Try subbing first. Anyone with a BA can be a sub. You have to fill out an app and interview w/the dept of ed in your district, but it is well worth it to spend a few days alone in front of some real classrooms before you invest in more ed. Keep in mind - getting your MEd is the easy part. You have complete control over your own education/values/motivation/time, etc. But being in the classroom- that's the hard part. You have very little control over those kids. Do some subbing to get an idea of what it's like, first. Volunteering in your kids' classrooms, along side their teacher, does not count. You have to try it on for real. Even subbing does not give you the feel of planning, but it gives you a little idea of what you're up against on your feet. Good luck -
Anonymous
Private schools are another possibility. They don't pay as much, but the plus could possibly be greater autonomy in your classroom.
Anonymous
You could look for an alternative licensure program for career changers. It might take less time. Don't count on finding many jobs in the next few yrs though unless you are in a high needs area.


While I agree with this poster on the job market, I think they are totally wrong suggesting an alternative licensure program for career changers. Yes, it may be shorter, but shorter is not better and since you are completely new to the field, you would be better served by comprehensive teaching preparation that allows you to take your content area expertise and connect it to teaching skills.

Oh, and mid 40s is not too late as long as you feel strong enough to keep up with elementary students. Good luck.
Anonymous
Check out something like Teach for America or similar programs. I know 2 people who have done this (albeit much younger) and it worked out well for them.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Check out something like Teach for America or similar programs. I know 2 people who have done this (albeit much younger) and it worked out well for them.


You will end up in the roughest schools. I say this as a "rough school" teacher for many years. (second career also)

my advice:
- If possible, find a teacher in a rough school and observe. You need permission from the administrators, however, and not all would agree. I was observed by a private school teacher who was thinking of making the switch to public. She decided to stick with private!
- If you're serious, go full force into certification. In MCPS at least, you'll be overshadowed by others who have typical certification. Once you're in, you can always go the Praxis route to become certified in other areas. One of my English colleagues (I'm secondary) is now certified in ESOL. She's exceptional. So it may not work for everyone! But it's the better option.
- Teaches are always at the bottom - despite the fact that many of us have advanced degrees. I work with three PhDs; most of my colleagues have either two undergrads or master's degrees. Furthermore, our young tech teachers are so well known in the tech community that many have been asked to speak at conferences. Sounds great for us - But overall, you'll read editorials and studies that show how incompetent we are, how low are SAT scores are (Where's our one-line poster who always harps on this?), how "easy" we have it, etc.

It's the most difficult job I've ever had. Right now, with two small kids, I'm PT. It's not family-friendly either. When I worked FT, I would come home and work for hours planning and grading. Sure, we have summers off, but we're not paid for those 2 1/2 months. So if you're on a tight budget, you have to plan accordingly.
Anonymous
You're not too old, OP, but 8:30 is right on target. My first undergrad degree is in elementary education, but if I ever taught at that level, it would be in a private school, not a public school.

I saw how how teachers are treated in public schools during my student teaching semesters and decided that wasn't for me. When I hear the complaints of my friends who are wonderful, award-winning teachers, I'm amazed at the dedication of people who are willing to tolerate so much contempt for their hard work year in and year out.
Anonymous
I'm so sorry to hear the challenges the teachers are posting about. I know what you experience is real but I do want you to know that some of us really and deeply appreciate what you do. Two of my three kids have LD and I worship their general ed and special ed teachers. They are amazing individuals and words can't adequately convey how much I appreciate their dedication, hard work, attention and kindness. I've seen some of the ungrateful, pompous and inconsiderate parents that are out there. I can only hope parents like me and my DH make up for what you experience from the less appreciative. You are really making a difference in the lives of my kids. It's through your efforts that my kids are learning to learn and enjoying it! We have every expectation they will be productive, successful and happy members of society and your work and influence has directly contributed to that. Thank you.
Anonymous
I think the job market is tough for teachers right now, especially elementary and language arts. Could you teach math or science? Or would you consider going into special ed? You'd be a lot more marketable.

It's true that private schools don't require a license (at least in DC), but I can guarantee you that without a teaching degree or teaching experience, you have basically no chance of getting an elementary ed job at a private or anywhere else. (I teach in a private school, and for two open elementary positions we had well over 100 applications.)
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