Teaching as a Second Career

Written by Savannah Smoot

Teaching can be an incredibly fulfilling career. Many lifelong teachers sing the praises of working with children to nourish their minds and spirits, but teaching is not always the first choice for everyone. Perhaps it is a choice that was come upon later in life or an experience in a current career path led to realizing a pursuit in a teaching career would be more fulfilling or enjoyable. Many professionals find that transitioning from their current career into teaching can be challenging, but it is the kind of choice that makes sense for their next steps. The steps from a current career into a teaching career are not always straightforward, and there are many different ways to approach it.

Deciding to Make a Career Change to Teaching

The decision to change careers is never an easy one. The jump from one career into a teaching career, while rewarding, can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. There are a few things to consider before making the switch, and a few important questions educators may need to ask themselves. There are plenty of reasons that experienced professionals might make a career switch to teaching. For example, they may be dissatisfied in their current position or unfulfilled in their current role. No matter the reason, becoming a teacher later in life doesn't have to be challenging or intimidating.

How to Decide if Teaching is the Right Choice

Many teachers recommend that potential candidates begin by substitute teaching in their district. Substitute teaching allows potential teachers to explore the classroom, understand a bit about teaching responsibilities, and get their first classroom experience. It can help when making the decision and when transitioning from their career into their new teaching career. Volunteering as a tutor is another opportunity potential educators have to experience educating minds for the first time. It may also be possible to consult with school districts and request to observe a current teacher in their classroom.

Benefits of Making a Career Change to Teaching

There are countless benefits to making the shift from experienced professional to educating professional. From financial to personal, the benefits are often what make the final decision.

• Teacher salaries come with a 401k matching in public school systems.
• Teaching gives the opportunity to mentor and support children.
• Working in a public school gives you access to high-quality state insurance.
• Teachers constantly learn every day they spend in a classroom.
• The community offered by a school setting is often incredible.
• The job is fulfilling and brings many educators great joy.

Challenges to Consider When Becoming a Teacher Later in Life

As with all things, the decision to teach isn't only positive - it comes with its own set of challenges.

• The first few years of teaching can be exhausting.
• It may take some time to find the perfect fitting school.
• People may over or under-estimate a candidate's skills based on their age and appearance.
• It can be draining to work with a room full of children all day.

Who, What, and Where to Teach?

Potential educators need to decide on some basics before making the decision to make the career switch to teaching. The first, and most important, decisions are who, what, and where they might want to teach. They will need to know what grade level they're interested in, what subject they would like to teach, and where they are interested in teaching. Where can also include public versus private education, which is a big factor for consideration.

Who

There are plenty of options in terms of the "who" of education. From Pre-K to post-secondary education, the world of education needs teachers in all sectors, so there is no shortage of teaching jobs in any grade level. There are challenges when working with any range, but each range comes with its unique pros and cons. The younger the child, the harder it often is to communicate with them. With age, comes more independence, which can sometimes make the classroom a challenging place to be. On the other side of that, younger children are incredibly interested in the world around them and in learning. Older children are becoming intelligent, curious young adults, and that can be very fun to experience.

No matter the choice made, there are grade levels that would suit any potential educator.

What

Subjects vary across the nation, but for the most part, the basic "what" options for teaching are English, math, science, and physical education. There are nuances within each of those subjects, but those are the main subject options and likely the postings that will come up the most often. If a candidate is considering making the career switch, it's important that they consider what subject they have the most experience in. The best way to make the determination is to examine which subjects most closely align with their current career path and their practical experiences acquired over the years in their job(s).

Many schools will lift the requirement for a teaching certification if the candidate has enough practical experience in their field, and that field is within the STEM or other significant fields of study.

Where

There are several important factors for consideration when considering where to teach. The first is deciding on public, private, or charter schools. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, but each option also suits itself to different kinds of people. While the average pay rate at public schools is low, there is a great opportunity to work with children from all walks of life and to help children who have experienced all sorts of things. The public school system can be the most rewarding to work in, but it can also be the most challenging as public schools are often underfunded and teachers are under-supported, though this is not the case in every school district, of course. Teaching in a public school will require a teaching certification.

Private schools are the highest paying and tend to offer quite a bit more support for educators, though this will vary from school to school. Teaching at a private school may require a specialized degree, depending on the region. Private schools often have the most varied subject matter and can be more rewarding for candidates that are interested in teaching subjects that lie outside of the normal subjects or are more specialized within them.

Charter schools are similar to both private and public schools, in many ways. Similar to public schools, charter schools are state-funded. On the other hand, like private schools, charter schools also have an admissions process and students are required to apply before attending the school. Charter schools often specialize in certain subjects of education. Charter schools can pay better than public schools, but not necessarily. Teaching in charter schools does not necessarily require teaching certification, it depends on the school.

How to Make a Career Change to Teaching

What about actually making the career change? How can one go about that? There are several options available for future educators, each with its own requirements as well as pros and cons.

Going Back to School to Be a Teacher

Returning to school to be a teacher is always an option. Going back to school may seem daunting, but the opportunity to learn new information and gain experience in the classroom makes the option very appealing to some. If a candidate has so far been in a career that has not required a bachelor's degree, that will be the first thing that needs to be done. A bachelor's degree is required for any teaching position, anywhere in the United States. A bachelor's degree could take as little as two years, or as many as four, to complete. Teaching degrees will require obtaining in-class experience, but that will be handled by the school and will be a requirement for graduation.

If a degree has already been obtained, a candidate may still want to pursue more schooling, which could take around three years to complete, even with a degree already. It's not an easy process, but it does prepare candidates very well for their future in a classroom setting.

Teacher Certification Options

There are several options available for those pursuing a new career in teaching; something for every sort of person. These options will vary throughout the states and it's always important to check through state websites to be sure.

Degree Certification

The first option is to go back to school to receive a certification through a university. Some universities offer fully online courses and some offer evening-only courses so that at least one option will fit everyone's schedule.

Alternative Teacher Certification

These options vary by state, but every state has them. For those that have already completed a bachelor's degree, this option allows the most flexibility and is often the easiest path. Candidates will be required to complete an, often, accelerated course of learning, classroom experience hours, and several tests or exams. This can be the quickest way to achieve a teaching certification.

Provisional Teacher Certification

These also vary by state. A provisional certification will allow new teachers to begin teaching immediately, with no waiting times or extra education required before classroom time begins. Many provisional certifications require a course to be completed within two years, these can be done online or in-person through an often-connected university. Other provisional certifications require a new teacher to work under a veteran teacher in the classroom for two years before full certification is achieved.

Emergency Teacher Certification

Teacher shortages are a rising issue throughout the nation, and even when the nation isn't experiencing a surge in open teaching positions, there are still states and counties that go through emergency need issues. When that happens, states and counties will sometimes allow those with bachelor's degrees to receive emergency certifications so that they may begin teaching immediately.

The Praxis Exam and Other Licensure Requirements

The Praxis exam is required by states and schools to determine the abilities of future teachers. These are required for those planning to take a Praxis test prep course as it gives the course an idea of where the candidate is in their knowledge and abilities. The Praxis tests are used in over 40 states as licensure for future teachers.

Some states have their own licensure requirements that differ from the Praxis test. It's best to check the state site to ensure the proper tests are being prepared for and taken. Some states will allow an ACT or SAT score to stand in for licensing tests. Some schools don't require licensure at all, such as private schools, but, again, this differs depending on location.

The final step in licensure is to apply directly to the state. The state will require a candidate to complete paperwork and submit it in order to obtain a license officially.

Finding a Teaching Job

This is likely the most daunting part of the entire process. Finding a job is never easy, no matter the career, but finding the perfect teaching career can be extra challenging. Fortunately, job boards and county sites make it much easier now to locate and apply for high-quality jobs. Job boards allow candidates to limit their search criteria and to specify any needs or requirements they may have for a teaching position. Job boards such as Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn are the best for finding private and charter school employment, while county sites are the best way to find public school postings.

Ensuring the quality of a resume and cover letter is important, and that should be handled first thing. From there, applications can be submitted online directly to the schools and they will take over the rest of the process. Schools do take longer than other careers to communicate, so be prepared to wait.