TheApple

 I just got my preliminary credential last year at the age of 52.  I did get a part-time job as a Title I Reading Specialist but since I live in CA I don't expect to get a full time teaching position next year.  I have also wondered  if my age might be detrimental to my hiring potential.  I do believe that my life experience as a mom/volunteer/GS leader/mature woman would enhance my chances.

It does help for any teacher to have degrees in areas most in need of teachers at this time. If you have a degree in Special Education, certification to teach non-English speaking children or Early Childhood ( big push by President Obama)you might find a job more easily no matter what age.   Older teachers  have so much to offer....raising children, travel, community service, problem solving, experiences in past careers...and we older techers  must stick together (I'm 60, retired public school  counselor, now getting another degree in special ed!.) Now is a terrible time to try to find a teaching job.....most states have little respect for public education and are cutting funds to the bare bone!  Good Luck!

It has always been my position that if you pursue your goals understanding the potential hurdles success will ultimately follow. I am in California, am 50 years old, and have just been accepted into a credentialing program run by a non-profit. I have done a great deal of research into where the need is. While it is true many teachers are being laid off, there are still subject matter areas suffering from a shortage of qualified educators. As I understand it these areas are secondary school math, science, and English. The organization I am working with has scaled back the applicants accepted into their program this year to only those who have gained single subject certificates in these subjects. I believe there are probably some exceptions, but I do know they specifically stated no one holding the multi-subject certificates required for elementary education would be accepted this year. Therefore, regardless of how you attain your training, if teaching one of these subjects is your goal opportunities should still be available when you begin your search for a position.

I was hired at 49, after 25 years away from education.

I'm in CA; got my multiple subject credential last year and Masters in Teaching this year and have not found a teaching job (all school districts in my area have hiring freezes). I am working with special needs 18-22 as a job coach until things open up. I think distrcts are looking to hire younger teachers, which is unfortunate, as we have all this life exeperience. I am age 53, mom of 3.

I live in central Florida and I am 57.  I switched careers 2 years ago, and I became certified in exceptional education. I have an undergraduate degree in art education, but never taught.  I worked in the corporate world before deciding to return to the classroom.   I will complete an MA program in exceptional ed,in December.  I have worked as an assistant two years ago and as a substitute for the last school year.  I have sent out about 40 resumes in response to job posts, to three school districts near where I live, and have had NO interviews.  I sub in some of these schools, and they are always asking for me.  They even sent me letters inviting me to sign up to sub for them again next year.  Those are the same schools that did not even acknowledge that they received my application for a teaching job, and my resume.  I am really disappointed and feel that maybe I will not be getting a teaching job. In the meantime, I am racking up bills working on a masters degree with no job in sight.   I wish someone would at least acknowledge that they have received my application and resume......I can't believe how they treat teacher applicants! I think my age may have something to do with this.  Anyone have similar experience??

Julia says ...

How discouraging. Looking for a job has to be one of the worst occupations anyone can have. I think that your application is not hitting the right person's desk. There are plenty of people your age and older out there looking for jobs and finding them--even in this tight job market.  Have you looked into where the hang up with your resume is? Maybe someone at the central office is not responsive? It appears that you are successful at the local school level. Is there anyone--an assistant principal, for instance, who can shed some insight into where your resume and job application is taking a wrong turn? I do not believe that your age is a negative factor in your job searches. I know you must be frustrated beyond belief...anyone would be at this point. I wish you only the very best.

Thanks for the encouragement Julia.  Some of my friends who are teachers feel the same way as you do.  They also advised me to go to see one of the administrators that I worked with in the past, and ask him what could be the problem with my resume and applications why I do not even get an acknowledgement.  I think my resume is not even making it past the person who is doing the screening (if there is such a person)......anyway, I will not be discouraged.  Thanks again!

I think new teachers looking for jobs have two main disadvantages.

First, most schools are finding ways to reduce rather than expand staff, especially in the arts.

Second, they are looking for people who can function in multiple areas. Someone who can also coach has the advantage over someone who can 'only' teach.

And third, knowing someone is a huge help. Im ny school district, they tend to hire spouses ... followed perhaps by alumni.

I feel for people racking up college debt these days.

Oh, one more thing. I would suggest getting hired BEFORE you finish your Masters. Once you're in the system, raising your pay for a higher degree seems to be ok. But if you are also competing for a job against someone who can save the corporation $5000 for a bachelors vs masters degree, they will go for cheap every time.