Is it too late to become a teacher?

[barbie_d2]

I'm new to this forum but I thought I might get some good advice from the teachers who come in here. I'm 44 years old and a single mother of two daughters, 21 & 18. My oldest daughter will graduate from college this year and my youngest is in her Freshman year. I married at age 18 and had my first child at 22. I was a full time Mom for 10 years then forced to go back to work after our divorce. I took the first job I could find to support my family and, although I didn't care for the field (Finance), I have done very well with the company. The most important part of my life has always been my family so I wasn't interested in a career that would take more time away from the girls - just a job to bring a paycheck home every week. I'll never regret that. Now that they are grown, I'm starting to think about what direction I'd like to take at this point in my life. I would love to teach at the Elementary level but I have had no college at all. Starting now, on a part-time basis (I'd have to keep my full time job to pay for it), will take many years to earn my degree. I guess I could always start as a Daycare Director to get somewhat familiar with the environment and work my way up into Early Childhood Education. The thought of perhaps making a difference in someone's life, no matter how small, truly excites me. I get absolutely no satisfaction working with numbers all day. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Barb

[AnnW]

I am not a teacher, but my feeling is that it would only be too late if you were dead! LOL If this is something you want to do, go for it!

[RCT]

I agree...if you have the desire which is so important....GO FOR IT...we can't have enought teachers who want to teach in this world....Good Luck...:D

[Jeff]

Most urban settings have programs for older returning students. In our area classes are offered at the university during evening hours as well as in the community at high schools, community centers, etc. to address the needs of the non-traditional student. Education especially because so many educators need to work full-time while fulfilling their continuing ed. requirements. Perhaps you could also work out a flex schedule with your employer. Whether the employer is supportive or not you can make it happen. Good luck!

[Jeff]

Another thought as well. Depending on your life experiences you may be able to test out of some of the courses shortening your time to degree.

[KarlaB]

I love the way Ann summed it up. I also say it's never too late ~ go for it!!! :)

[kat]

I teach kdg. and it's never too late. I too found myself in college as a divorced mother. Our title 1 aide worked as our aid for 6 years while she went to school in summers and at night. She's now a fellow kdg. teacher. Go for it.

Jeff is right, you can clep out of some courses. As many as 30 hours I believe.

[MaryL]

The world can never have enough teachers!!!!! It's never too late to do something that interest you. Best of luck~!

[Marla]

Go for it Barb...if it is something that really interests you.....how can you go wrong??

Welcome to the boards :)

[Diane]

If it's something that you are truely interested in... GO FOR IT! It's NEVER too late to do what you've always wanted...

Diane... :wave:

[barbie_d2]

Thank you all for the kind words of advice and encouragement. I'll be contacting my local community college today to see what I need to do to get started!!

Jeff: Thanks for bringing up the idea of a flexible work schedule - it's something I hadn't thought about and I'm sure my company would work with me. I also found out if I work at least 20 hours per week, I will still receive full benefits! That kind of motivates me to get myself in a good financial position so that maybe one day I can cut my work hours back and go to school full time!

Thanks again, Everyone! I'm so excited!!

Barb