Is it too late to change profession in your early 50s and become a teacher in California or is it a fantasy.?

Question

It has always been a dream of mine to be a teacher, but early in life I made career choices that locked me into my field but I feel like a change is needed.

Answer 1

It's absolutely not too late. However, make sure you do your homework and get a good understanding of what teaching truly entails. Go and volunteer in schools and get some real classroom experience. Talk to teachers, administrators, parents, and students.  Realize that the image of teachers that is portrayed on TV, news, newspapers, magazines, etc. is not even close to what teachers really do. In fact, I would estimate that the actual teaching of students is no more than 50% of the job. The other half is comprised of grading papers, preparing lessons, endless meetings with parents, fellow teachers, administrators, etc. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes that the general public has no clue. Becoming a teacher is a  huge commitment in both time and money so be SURE this career is for you!

If you're still sure, then go for it! In my opinion, it's the most fulfilling and fun job out there.

Answer 2

It's never too late!  Go for it!

Answer 3

It depends partly on your financial situation. If you already have a BA, teaching credentials in California take about a year. Maybe a little longer with prerequisites, etc. The Cal State programs are very inexpensive. Your expenses may be $3000 a semester for two semesters plus lost time from work. You could start out in the low to mid $40,000s depending on where you teach.

It is not too late to apply for spring session at most campuses, but you have to take the CSET and CBEST tests to apply. I am looking at programs too and just learned yesterday that CSU Bakersfield is still taking applicants for this fall!

If you do not already have a BA, it might not be worth it. Think about the expense of dedicating five years to going to school full time. The tuition would be reasonable at a CSU campus, but it would still be well over 25 thousand dollars by the time you are done. Plus, you probably wouldn't work full time, so there'd be the expense of lost wages.

Depending on what you've been doing so far, some schools can offer life experience credits towards your degree. That could help.

Answer 4

I know more people than I can count who have done just that.  Good luck!

Answer 5

never too late...especially when there are courses that can get you there  fast....

Answer 6

There are a lot opportunities in CA, there are programs like Teaching for America.  They put you on probation for some time, you can teach while working on your license.

Answer 7

No way-go for it! UC Irvine has a program where you get paid half a teacher's salary while you are doing your student teaching in the classroom. So if you can make a few sacrifices, it's possible. I know a woman who became a teacher after her kids all grew up and moved out.

Jana

www.summerhouseliving.com

www.purehomeschooling.com

Answer 8

http://www.cde.ca.gov/

Already have a BA or BS? All you'll need is the credentialing program. You will have to take the CSET and CBEST.

Answer 9

It's never too late to follow your dreams!!  GO FOR IT!  Schools need great teachers who really want to be there-no matter what their age is.  You have a lot of life experience and knowledge to offer your students.  Best of luck!!