Am I Too Old to Become a Teacher?

Posted On May 22,2019

If you’re reading this you’re probably someone considering starting a teaching career late in life. Maybe you didn’t know that teaching was your calling until just now or maybe you just want a change. No matter how good your reasons are, there’s always that creeping sensation of doubt. It can happen with any major career change, but it can be especially bad when you’re considering a teaching career. Teachers always start young, right? Aren’t you too old to begin now? The short answer is: no, it’s never too late to become a teacher. But you probably want a little more reassurance than that. Here are a few reasons why it’s totally okay to start your teaching career late in life.

The Best Teachers Have Life Experience

Life experience is never a bad thing for a teacher to have. The wisdom that you’ve accumulated over the years will allow you to be a better role model no matter how young or old the children you teach are. So, don’t count yourself out just because you’re starting a little late. It can actually be a big advantage in many respects.

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Teachers Will Always Be In Demand

Schools aren’t going anywhere. There will always be children who need to learn no matter what year it is or where you move. That level of job security is pretty much unrivaled in any other profession. In addition, automation isn’t coming for the teaching jobs. We’ll always need more good teachers. Smaller class sizes with more instructor interaction results in better learning, and schools know this. Aside from budgetary issues, it’s rare that a good school will turn down an equally good teacher. So, if you’re willing to put in the work and really excel at the job then you will always be in demand.

You’ll Have A Strong Support Network

One concern you may have with starting on a new career late in life is the cost. There’s the obvious financial cost, but there’s also a huge time investment with most degree programs. Balancing school with adult responsibilities isn’t easy. Rest assured that there are programs designed with you in mind. Flexible course scheduling, financial aid, night classes. Whatever assistance you need, there’s a program out there that has you covered.

It Doesn’t Take As Long As You’d Think

You should also know that many teaching programs can be completed in as little as two years. You don’t necessarily need to commit four years for an undergraduate degree and another two for a master’s if you want to teach. A good example of this would be an early childhood education (ECE) program. You’ll typically graduate within two years and then be ready to teach the next generation.

So, put your fears to rest. You are not too old to become a teacher. Starting now can actually bestow a number of advantages. But that doesn’t mean you should wait to get started. If you’re interested in teaching the youth of today, enroll in a comprehensive early childhood education program. Please, contact us at Athena Career Academy so we can help you get started.