Are there any 50-60 year old teachers still in the classroom?

Question

I left banking and entered teaching when I was 19..I love teaching as it is my vocation.In 2003 I was inspired to create a program.The student population I have been teadhing for a generation still have me wondering why Johnny (and Susie) cannot read.The answer includes many factors like reaching the student at risk, discipline,challenging their thinking/problem solving ability etc I have met many well meaning or inquisitive individuals who want to know when I will retire.Some think of me as"Grandma' because I taught one or both of their parents, aunts/uncles, cousins etc.I am 5+ years away from pension, fit,an orphan,have grown kids and want to contribute to the mental well-being of my nation through education.Most of all, I want to work the program a little longer to get rid of glitches.Students have come to me and remarked that they have improved their performance.Does a teacher have to quit because of age? I think about wine,cheese and other products that get better with age.

Answer 1

I think that teachers (of whatever age) should retire when they no longer have enthusiasm for their job. The kids deserve someone who is caring, innovative, and who loves their job. It sounds like you fit that bill. Plus, you can draw on your years of experience and you can be a mentor to younger teachers. A lot of the teachers in the private school where I work are 50+ (including me), and none are anywhere near to thinking about giving it up. The kids keep us young. (I teach advanced math and calculus, which I regard as a good hedge against senility.)

Answer 2

I'm 63 and still teaching. I started back in 1976 after getting out of the Marines in 1967, bumming around for a few years and then going back to college to get a BA in English and an MA in English Education, finishing up in 1976.
I spent a lot of my teaching career abroad, almost a year in Iran (my timing was bad - I arrived in 1978 and got to see the Islamic Revolution there), 19 years in Saudi Arabia and 2 years in Indonesia.
But I've also taught in the States, in Florida, Missouri, California and New Mexico.
I've done most levels - from 5th grade through college. I don't ever plan on quitting; I love it far too much. And, when I can't get a full-time job, I'll tutor.

Answer 3

If you have the interest and energy and enthusiasm and patience to continue in the classroom, go for it. I started teaching at 17 and I retired at 50, not because I needed to retire, but because our collective agreement and pension plan made it financially very sensible for me to do so.

Since I've retired from my own jurisdiction, I travel and work sometimes in new and interesting places. In 2004-05 I worked for a school district in the Canadian Arctic. I have been offered and accepted some contract work to develop learning modules for gifted learners. A retired friend is going to China to teach next year. So while I have chosen a different route from yours for personal and financial reasons, I still teach. There is even a certain teaching element to using this site, don't you think?

I enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the way I am doing it, while you enjoy your way.

Years ago someone gave me a little card with a quote on it:
Day by day in every way I'm getting better and better.

Answer 4

I don't think you have to retire because of age. There are a lot of people who have taught far more than the minimum number of years to retire with a pension. Our art teacher just retired with 39 years. If you feel physically and mentally up to it and it brings you happiness then unless there is a reason of which you are not aware, then by all means keep teaching. I would, however, caution you that sometimes, when we want something very much, we don't see reality. I would find a few trusted co-workers to be honest with me as to when it is time to retire gracefully. You don't want to be the teacher that is every parents nightmare, the one everyone keeps wondering when they will retire,

With respect to the wine and cheese, have you given any thought to enjoying other fruits of your labors? For example, traveling and then going back to your school to give guest speeches about your travels?

Oh, yeah, I'm 50.

Good Luck

Answer 5

Yes. I taught until I was 63, and was known as an excellent teacher. However, when the signs came to me that I was slipping, such as having much less patience with my students, I retired. I wanted to go out on top and not just remain in the classroom to collect a paycheck. There is no age limit as to when a person needs to retire from teaching, so I could have kept going which would have been unfair to my students because I was not able to give it my very best.

If you want to return to teaching and have the desire and energy to do so, as well as the commitment to helping young,people, do it!! You will bring a wealth of life experience to your students.

Good luck.

Answer 6

You certainly do not have to quit because of age. I just read an article about a woman in California who was still teaching at 90. You are getting better all the time, and students need you because you want to be there. Stay put and keep teaching.

Answer 7

The older a person, the more wise!
No-one would ever shun a 90 year old martial arts instructor!
Why shun an *aged* teacher with so much wisdom to impart on their students?
I think you have a lot to be proud of for doing all you can for your students.
I would have liked such a devoted teacher when I was going through school.
I believe a teacher doesn't stop teaching until the day they die! (my grandfather was a math instructor and is still teaching me, he is 83!)

Peace & Love!

Answer 8

If you don't want to retire, don't. I know lots of teachers who have retired only to come back because they couldn't stand being away! Enjoy it while you can, and if you start to get sick or tired, look for a part time position or substitute teach or be an aide if you want to! More power to you, grandma!

Answer 9

My math teacher is 56-57 and still teaching!

Answer 10

No, they all retire. There like " I don't want to work anymore, gimme gimme."