How To Become a Teacher Later in Life

If you have a love for learning and want to help students become the best they can be, then a career in teaching may be the perfect fit for you. However, what if you already have a career? Maybe you choose a professional track that's completely different than working in a classroom. This might leave you wondering if it's worth going into a career change or if becoming a teacher is even possible.

In this article, we'll discuss the steps necessary to become a teacher later in life, including some of the related frequently asked questions about this career change and deciding if it's right for you.

How To Start Your Career as a Teacher Later in Life

If you feel that teaching is the right next step in your career move, then you will want to take a series of steps toward becoming a teacher. The steps may vary depending on several factors, such as your:

• home state
• level of education
• previous work experience
• preference for working in public or private school
• grade level to teach

Make sure to check your local requirements, as some states may have stricter requirements for teachers. Here are the common steps necessary for becoming a teacher.

1. Earn a Teaching Degree

The first step is to obtain a relevant undergraduate degree, though you may be able to skip this step if you already obtained a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree usually takes four years to complete and your degree must come from an accredited university. Many professionals already obtained their degrees before working full time, so you can usually apply your previous education. However, if you prefer to obtain another degree, most teaching professionals graduate with a bachelor's degree in education.

2. Get Appropriate Certifications of Licensure

Each state has varying requirements for teacher licensure. For example, New York requires all teachers to:

• complete a state-approved preparatory program
• complete child safety training
• pass all required exams before stepping into a classroom

In Nebraska, a student must complete their undergraduate degree from an accredited institution along with state-approved teacher training, such as internships or classroom observations. It's important to research the requirements of your specific state to gain a better understanding of the time commitment.

3. Take on Volunteer Positions

By completing your licensure, you may be able to get a head start on earning your experience by taking on volunteer programs. Depending on the type of teaching, you may not need a completed license to earn experience. If you wish to become an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, you can start by teaching after-school classes or adult English programs. Conduct a Google search for local language literacy non-profits in your area. This will give you valuable classroom experience where you will build skills like:

• student-teacher rapport
• patience
• syllabus development

4. Find an Entry-Level Teaching Position

Upon completing the required licensure, you can start in an entry-level position. Start by updating your resume with relevant and recent experience, which you will discuss during your interviews. Also, try to obtain letters of recommendation from prior employers. This is where volunteer experience can play an important role.

Next, check job boards in your area, as well as school district websites, to try to find open teaching positions. You should prepare for the interview by getting comfortable discussing your teaching qualifications and how your prior career helped prepare you for the classroom.

5. Consider an Advanced Degree

The final step is to consider earning an advanced degree. While this step might not always be necessary, it can help you earn credibility as a teacher and potentially negotiate a higher pay range. Many teachers opt for a master's degree in education, which teaches:

• core classes in classroom management
• education software
• curriculum design

Benefits of Becoming a Teacher Later in Life

There are a variety of benefits to becoming a teacher later in life, and it's possible to make a career shift if you feel it's the right decision. The primary reason it's beneficial is that you'll go into a profession you love. Having a passion for what you do can make a positive impact on your life.

FAQs About Becoming a Teacher Later in Life

If you're ready to take a step toward becoming a teacher, then continue reading for some frequently asked questions you may have.

Is It Hard To Become a Teacher Later in Life?

While becoming a teacher later in life may require additional schooling and licensure, it isn't particularly difficult if you have a passion for education. The biggest challenge may be the time it takes to complete the state requirements for the teaching position you wish to start. Additionally, starting a new career will come with a natural learning curve, where you may need to work hard to learn the essential skills necessary for day-to-day responsibilities.

Is 40 Too Late To Become a Teacher?

No, 40 isn't too late to become a teacher. If you already have an undergraduate degree, then you will be able to easily skip some of the required steps to becoming a teacher. You will likely already have skills from your previous jobs that may be transferrable to teaching. Consider the work responsibilities you held in the past and how you may be able to market these during your interview.

What Is the Shortest Way To Become a Teacher?

Becoming a teacher doesn't necessarily have to be a lengthy process. Some options can help you shorten the steps required. For example, consider working in a state that has a lower number of requirements for their educators. If you work in a school district with lower requirements, then you may not need certain school requirements. The same idea applies to private schools, as they typically have fewer regulations in place for their teachers.

You may also want to consider certain types of teaching positions. For example, English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers usually only need a Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate to work and may not need a four-year degree.

Are Younger Teachers More Effective?

Just because a teacher is younger doesn't always mean they are more effective. School systems usually prefer to hire teachers with a passion and interest in education, which aren't aspects dictated by age. School systems will also want teachers who can manage a classroom and effectively teach required subjects. While these skills may come with experience, earning this background in a volunteer teaching role may be proof enough.