Changing career

[nick]

Hello I need some Advice from any NY teacher please, I am a paralegal and considering changing my career to teaching as I like to work with children but Being Im 38 I cant sit in a classroom for another 5 yrs nor can i afford more money to my student loan if i can even add to it. Im looking for a program that offers me the chance to do it online from home and when I have to student teach I can goto a place in the area (worked out with a advisor im sure)

please I need all advice specially if 38 is to old to look into changing that career and job outlook in ny (long island) for new teacher my age..

thank you
Nikkolas

[Unregistered]

Hello Nikkolas,

I do not reside in NY, but I am a college student attending an online college to become a teacher.

It has been a GREAT experience and is the only way to go for those who work and/or have a family!

You are never 'too old' to change career gears! Think about how many years you have yet before retirement; it is preferable to do work that you enjoy.

The college that I attend (there are undoubtedly many; this one is professional and accredited) is called Western Governors University.

Good luck to you! I strongly recommend that you go forth and pursue your dreams!

[Unregistered]

Hi Nikkolas:

I just completed intensive summer training for the New York City Teaching Fellows. While I could list the problems and complaints about the program (there are many), for the most part this non-profit organization has managed to provide me with the necessary training and university course work to allow me to get a transitional license to begin teaching this September. The program just started this June, and in 7 weeks of class work at Queens College, plus a summer school placement I have earned the ability to start teaching as a teacher with regular salary.

Go to the fellows web site and check it out: www.nycteachingfellows.org. The program is intended to put career changing professionals into New York City high-need schools. I was otherwise employed for about 7 years in another industry and not very satisfied with my work. I don't feel prepared to teach in September, but I believe many well-educated teachers will tell you that the only way really prepare for the classroom is by being in the classroom.

The program pays for much of the Master's Degree and there is a small stipend for the summer training. Let me know if you have any questions.

Good Luck,

Jeanne

[Annie]

Nikkolas, Do it! Especially after reading what's available to you in NY that Jeanne wrote about! I'm in smalltown Alabama and doubt I'll be that lucky to find such a program. I'm almost 44 and just decided this past week to quit my 40k/year job in the medicolegal field to finish the grad degree in educ/certif I began twenty years ago and didn't finish! Only went one semester, started having kids and there went grad school on the back burner till now! Last child is about to start college, so Mom's going back too! Will have to work part-time to continue to help with bills (so I'm scared balancing work and studying) but I figure if I'm certified by the time I'm 47, that gives me another twenty years in my new teaching career until retirement. And, since my present employer has NO retirement plan, that teacher's "perk" just gives me an extra nudge. Besides, being 38-42 with years of work experience in the "real world" means you'll have more maturity and wisdom (hopefully :-)) than a 21-year-old just graduating with their certificate. Good luck and hope you decide not to let age keep you from taking the career-change plunge! :o

[Unregistered]

Fake your resume. Then you don't have to wait long to teach. You are already getting up there in age, and who knows how many years you will have left.