Do you think this will be more common for first year teachers to be this age due to lack of jobs/hiring freezes/career changers? If I don't find a full time teaching job within the next 2 years, I'm saying the hell with teaching all together I think. I got certified in 20s (had to get my masters to get certified.) Plus, my license will be expired by then. I can't imagine just beginning teaching in my 40s if I continue to wait on a teaching career.
I had been subbing for a good decade throughout my 20s while working on other things, but I got my first teaching job teaching special ed when I was 32. I've since gone back to school in a different field, where I'm halfway through working on my 2nd Masters in speech pathology. For me, I just got off to a late start. It's not that I was really trying o be a teacher in my eary 20s. It's just how things went.
I got my first full time teaching job at the age of 30. I got the position in my current district at the age of 33. I have 13 more years until I hit 30 years in my current district!
I dropped out of the education program at my college for various reason. Started working on fixing that when I was 31, got my PA teaching certificate when I was 33, added an OH one at 34. I landed my full-time teaching job at 35.
I was certified in my 20s. Moved & didn't want to sub. Worked day care/preschool for 11 years. I was in my late 30s before I started certified teaching.
I'm a career-changer. I really believe that being older is one of the main reasons I was hired. I came in very strong and immediately had classroom management skills that I never would have had if I had been in my twenties.
I was 35 when I was hired; the rule 90 will meet me in my 60s. It's definitely tougher for graduating student teachers in their 20s to get hired on right now in our area without having a strong background in class management and understanding of RtI and CCSs.
Honestly, I would have been a terrible teacher in my 20s. I looked and acted like I was still a teenager. Something clicked when I turned 30, and I realized I had to go back and realize the dream I had of being a teacher when I was a kid.
I attended one year of college right out of high school, then got married & went to work for a couple years instead of going back to school. After being a stay at home mom for 15 years, my youngest child had started kindergarten and my sister asked me, "What are you going to do with your life? Why don't you start back to school when I do in January?" Since I had always wanted to be a teacher (since like first grade!) and we obviously couldn't make it on my husband's pay (SO in debt I can't even discuss it ), I decided to get a grant (and eventually student loans = more debt, ugh) and go back to school. I started back to school right after I turned 33 (man, does that NOT sound old now!) and finally graduated (had to cut back to half time after my last SURPRISE! pregnancy) SIX years later! I got my first long term sub position when I was 40!! I think most people assume I've been teaching a long time, which is often helpful :lol:
I started teaching immediately after four years of college. I did have a student teacher a few years ago who was in her mid-50s. I have also seen a lot of new teachers in the past few years who have been career changers.
I just turned 29 on Oct 1st and am in my first year of my childhood education associate's degree. I, too, take my schooling a lot more seriously than the younger college students who skip class, don't turn in assignments and don't study for the tests. It's taken me a long time to finally come around to my dream (since 3rd grade) of becoming a teacher and now I'm pursuing it with a vengeance. I'll be 32 or so when I complete my bachelor's. I think entering the teaching field at a later age gives you a bit of a boost. You'll seem more like an authority figure and less like a babysitter. Like someone said, people assume you've been doing it for a while and that can benefit you when it comes to respect. I do wonder how a 23yo teaches high school. My senior year English teacher was 23 and fresh out of college and let me tell you: The guys in our grade were HORRIBLE to her and for no other reason but that she was barely older than us. Your age (in either direction) can be an asset. It's all about how you use it!
I went to college at 34 and graduated with my bachelors at 39. Got my first teaching job from student teaching. just earned my masters last year at 49. I think a lot of people assumed I'd been teaching since my early 20's so I do think I was accepted quicker at my next school. My first school, they knew I was fresh out of college...btw... I prefer fresh out of college doctors because they're usually more up to date on things. That's been my experience.
I agree. If you're younger, the students can see you as someone they can bond with, someone on their level - and you can probably be more intuned to their lives. The downfall is that they might have trouble seeing you as authority, and you might not have enough life experiences to demand control and attention. If you are older, let's say in your 30s, students will easier see you as authority (of course you also have to establish it, it won't just happen), and you probably have a lot of life experiences to make your job easier (other jobs you had, having kids, or just simply being more mature and confident). The downfall is they might see you as someone who doesn't understand their lives. I try to get my information from my sophomore daughter, and of course by talking to students. You have to use what you got. I was 32 when I took my first college class, and 37 when I finished everything (Masters and credential). I feel that I have more of a presence in the classroom, confidence and control because of my age, I wouldn't have had it at the age of 25. (due to my experiences, etc) I think students view some teachers as a certain role. For example you can be more like a loving mom, a caring grandma, a strict father or mother, some one cool like an older brother / sister they can talk to. If the teacher does it correctly, then first and foremost they are teachers and authority figures for their students, and this other role is secondary. A teacher last year told me that students often see female teachers as nurturers. She was in her late 40s, teaching 8th grade, all the other grade level teachers were male. She said most students would go to her with all kinds of issues, because they felt more comfortable with her. (she was strict, but kind, and excellent teacher)
I just started teaching in August and I am 31 will be 32 in November. I chose to stay home with my kids from age 23-31 as they weren't all school age. Now they are in K4, K5 and 3rd at the school where I teach..
I signed my first full-time teaching contract two months before I turned 30. I worked as a para from age 27-29. I worked as a sub from 25-27. I guess it is just how things worked out. I have recently turned 37.
I had originally planned to be a teacher when I went to college in 1984. Life had other plans, and I ended up meeting my future husband, having our kids, and all that entails. I returned to college in 2010, and am now doing my student teaching. I am 46. I will graduate in December when I am finished student teaching with a Masters in Education. In many ways I think my life experience has brought with it a maturity to teaching that I would not have had in my twenties. I am more focused and organized for starters. I have also worn many different hats involving working with children, such as coaching, being the PTA president, subbing, etc. I have always been great with kids, but I also think being a mom has also given me wisdom. I am a little worried about being hired due to my age and the current lack of positions, but I don't dwell on it. I just keep pushing forward and will sub as long as necessary in hopes of eventually getting my own classroom. What else can I do? I can't think of much else to do with a BA in Humanities and a Masters in Teaching and Elementary Content,lol
I was 30 when I was hired. I worked as a bookkeeper after college until I found a teaching job. But, I am glad for all of my work experiences.
I am a career changer and hopefully will have my own classroom this next school year. I am 31 and will be 32 next fall. I graduated from college with my edu degree but was never licensed. I just received my license a few weeks ago My mom was almost 40 when she started teaching and loved it and taught for ~ 25 years when she retired. I don't think there is a "too old age" in my opinion.
Are you saying the hell with it, with something else in mind? Because in two years, things will be worse (economically in this country). i.e. Finding a teaching job will be harder, and going into a new field will be tougher (unless it's a field that is growing).
I worked my way through college, went into the military for seven years and was almost 30 when I started. I am 63 now, but many tell me that if it wasn't for my white hair, I would look about 38 years old. Teaching has been the most stressful job and I have been at it for over 30 years now. I deal with the stress by doing a lot of exercise - used to walk 1.6 miles to work and then run home every day. I've wondered if teachers get into the profession now days because they think a teacher just sits behind the desk while students do handouts. If so, in the near future there might be a lot of younger teachers getting into the profession.
Nope! Went straight through college as it was the expectation in my family and had my first teaching job at age 22! In many ways, I'm glad I did, but I also wish I had taken some time off to experience other things before starting my career.
Queenie-I enjoyed your story! Your posts are so insightful and helpful! I would have guessed more experience.. My daughter was moved to 2nd this year and is using your coaster system-works well for her. I was also going to try it, but was moved out of a general education classroom. Thanks for sharing.
I was a SAHM from 23-32. My first day of college was Jan 19,2000. I graduated with my masters in 2005 and that includes taking a semester off to have my youngest child. I worked my butt off to get through college and raise my family. I got my first teaching job in 2006. This is my 6th year teaching. I am now 44. Another poster said she wouldn't have been a good teacher in her 20's. I think I am a better teacher because I am a Mom first. Most of my students parents are not that much older than my own older children.
NJ Is a tough market, but there's no reason to think you are not as competitive as a younger candidate. In fact, maturity and 'life experience' could work in your favor. One thing you'll want to know about is the pension system (which is grossly underfunded in our state). Currently, you would fall under the following formula for retirement benefits: Years of service / 60 X Final Average Salary (average of final three years)
Thanks- you made my day I have to admit I do have some "life experience" that's really been helpful. I was the Director of Children's Ministry at my church for almost 20 years before becoming a teacher, so after I got a "real" job, I remember thinking, "They're really gonna pay me for this??" A few years later and I'm thinking, "That's ALL they're gonna pay me for this??" hmy: I'm SO glad your daughter has found the coaster behavior management helpful. It's the ONLY thing that has worked well for me. It has freed me up to teach and not worry so much about behaviors! Anyways, your kind comments came right at a time when I need them :thumb: THANK YOU!
I better start stocking up on cat food. Well, my daughter is hoping to hit it big on Broadway so hopefully she will take me in,lol. I know the retirement situation is tough. I figure I will be working until they roll me out of the room......
