Expert: Bonnie Shimmin - 9/3/2009

Question
I am 40 years old and I am considering going back to school to be a teacher in Michigan but I am concerned with my age.  In your opinion do you think this may be a problem?

Answer
Dear Tracy,

As a principal I have hired many people who were over 40 - some who were over 50.  Sometimes it's better to hire a person who has some life experience rather than a person right out of college.  They are often more reliable and easier to work with because they've had a job life before.  If you already have a BA or BS degree it won't take that much longer to acquire a teaching credential.  If you are thinking about secondary school, there are usually more openings for teachers in the fields of science or mathematics (or special education in all grades).  If, however, you already have interest and background in another area, you shouldn't just go into the sciences or special education because there are more openings.  

In order to secure a permanent position, you should make sure that you have excellent student teaching experience and evaluations.  Often, if a person does well in student teaching at a certain school, the principal may be able to offer a position at the same school or tell colleagues about the teacher.  Another way to stand out among other prospective teachers is to have some special ability (e.g., speak another language, computing skills, ability to coach) that will help the school.  

I've always said education is an honorable and intellectually stimulating career.  There are many principals out there, and many jobs.  Good luck on your job search.

Bonnie