Is 38 too old?

[mommy4ever]

We are exploring the possibility of me going to University in a few years to get my degree in Education.

I'm wondering if 38 is too old to take on that kind of commitment? I've not been in school for a LONG time.

Those that have done post secondary education in their late 30's into their 40's. What insight can you offer? How was the learning curve for you?

We are planning on saving to just pay cash and have a buffer to offset the income loss of me returning to school.

I don't feel that being in my 40's and starting teaching to be detrimental. As a woman done with her child bearing years, it offers a stability to the classroom. Here we get 1 year maternity leaves, so it causes some upheaval. My dd's school has 3 or 4 teachers every year that leave on maternity then return at various points in the following year. So as a 40 something year old, entering teaching, I can offer the life experience as an asset, and the fact that they don't need to cover a maternity leave... well it won't work against me.

DD12 in 2nd or 3rd grade had a first year teacher in her 50's. They loved her. DD10 had a 50 yo student teacher this year, and everyone loved him as well. They both brought a lifetime of practical scenarios that could be shared with the kids. The kids did well with them.

It's kinda scary to have a career starting at that age. But I would still have an easy 15-20 years of teaching ahead of me, if not more.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Maine Girl]

My opinion is if that is what you want to do go for it. Age is a number.

[nodmicks]

I'm hope 38 isn't too old to contemplate it because I am 39 and contemplating going for accounting. I know I can't go for aver a year as we need a few major things funded first. My oldest and I would be starting college about the same time. Gulp

You have many working years left so I think you should do what you love!

[lmbaker520]

Absolutely not! I run Graduation at the University that I work at and we see all ages graduate. We have a residential program as well as an online one so you see a lot of people in their 30's, 40's and 50's complete the online program. This year we had an 83 year old man get his Masters degree.

You should do what you want and enjoy it!

[frugalfranny]

GO FOR IT!

I don't think you will notice much of anything with the learning curve. You might feel a bit overwhelmed at first while you 'settle in' to your routine but once established, will do fine. Your past life experiences will probably give you a jump start on the younger students. I was an older student, did fine and had a blast while doing it. Good luck!

[geckoace]

well i say go for it, the school i go to has a program geared toward adult learners (its a weekend programs so you can work full time with no conflict) and there are plenty plenty older than you. i think as an adult,30, i am more focused than i was when i started school at 18. and i can more clearly see the value.

[craftypam]

you are never too old to learn or live

[ladykemma2]

as a teacher i would steer you away from "education" and steer you towards a math or science degree, then get certified to teach middle or high school.

if you want elementary education you won't find a job. useless degree.

eta: i didn't answer your question. i started teaching at age 40 in an alternative certification program. make them pay for it.

[mommy4ever]

Our certification here is different. In order to get certification to teach at any level k-6 or 7-12 you need a B of Ed. Mandatory, no 2 ways around it.

There are slight differences in course selections between secondary or elementary, secondary you major in something, elementary you don't require it.

And here there is a shortage of teachers for the most part at all levels.

[ladykemma2]

ok.

then i would say that as a supervisor, all of the "over 40" first year teachers we have hired "stay", whereas all the teachers in their twenties are gone as soon as their first year is done. so now we deliberately look for the career switcher, or those who have the maturity and the coping skills to stay in a title 1 school. they recognize that this school is a good deal.

you will blend in nicely with the other career switchers at university. remove that fear from your mind. good luck!

[mommy4ever]

What is a title 1 school?

[ladykemma2]

What is a title 1 school?

a title 1 school receives special funds from the federal government because it is a poverty (ghetto) school. we get extra money for school supplies and equipment. most of out kids get the free or reduced lunch and breakfast.

[xtena]

It's never too late to go back to school. I remember when I was a 'college kid' there were some mature students in my classes, including senior citizens, who were dedicated and more 'driven' to succeed than most of my peers. No skipping class to go to the beach (this was UCSD) for them!

When I was in my 30's I 'went back' to school, albeit to trade school, not university. I had my degree in Chinese studies, then after ten years living and working in China I burned out and decided to study programming. I went to an intensive computer programming school; thirty hours a week for about half a year in order to train for an entry-level position. Most of us in that program were mature adults switching careers. One guy had four kids!!! We were all driven to succeed and most of us did. The only 'kid' in our class, an 18 year old who had graduated high school the year before, was not driven to succeed nor was she prepared for the intensive nature of our program. She cheated her way through on her parents' dime and if she did get a job upon graduation, I doubt she made it far.

So go for it! Since you haven't been in school for so long, you could preparing now, by taking free online courses, brushing up on study and note taking skills; writing a few practice expository essay papers, and reviewing high school math including advanced algebra, geometry and (gulp) calculus, as well as high school science (chemistry, physics, biology...whatever your university prerequisites are).

[starsapphire]

Umm I hope 38 isn't too old because I am 45 and getting ready to do the same thing as you! I'm going to quit my job in 11 months so I can go to school full time next year and get an associate's degree and probably (hopefully) go to uni after that.

My 54 year old sister just got her teaching degree a few years ago

[mauimagic]

Although I got a BS in Business Administration the traditional way, at age 49 I went back for my certification in special education and am still teaching at 63!! Go with you passion!!