Should I hire a younger teacher with less experience (and pay them less) or an older teacher...?

Question

but I would have to pay them more...

Answer 1

If I were hiring, it would definitely depend on the individual person, but I tend to lean more toward a new, young teacher.  

They are fresh out of college, full of ideas and enthusiasm.  They are ready to work hard and put lots of time into the job, and since they are fresh out of college they have the most up-to-date knowledge on research and are full of texts and information about best practices.

Oftentimes the younger teacher is not tied down to a family, and can more easily attend after school events and be a full part of the school community.  Younger teachers bring new ideas and new perspectives.  You also have to pay them less.

That said, it really does depend on the person.  If the younger person comes off as cocky, and doesn't seem flexible and open-minded in their thinking, that's a big strike.  I need someone who is going to be a team player, and knows how to work with others.  That is one of the key things a good teacher does.  Interacting with peers is just as important as interacting with students.

Answer 2

It actually depends upon the staff.  Where is your need?  I was given my first job at a school with a veteran staff.  The principal was looking for some new blood.

When I was in my credential program, a big concern amoung the student teachers was was why a principal would hire a new teacher, when there were veteran teachers applying for the same job.

We were told that when principals are interviewing, they definitely have a certain type of person in mind.  If they have a newer staff, they may very well be looking for a veteran teacher.  If they have a lot of whiners and complainers, they may be looking for someone who seems easy-going.  If they have issues with discipline, they may be looking for someone who seems tougher.

So, really, the best person may be a new teacher, or it may be the veteran.  Money does play a part, but principals are usually not involved in that - it is a district-wide issue - and principals can hire whom they want.

Answer 3

and you're in charge of the hiring? i'm so glad i didn't apply.

Answer 4

Well it depends if you are a teacher yourself you should get a younger teacher because you can teach them more or if your trying to get your child for homeschooling you get a older teacher because they know more and they might help your kid learn better so the choice is yours!

Answer 5

you can always give the new teacher a chance; however, the older teacher will not need any supervising or training.

Answer 6

I would say the younger, because they need to start off in their career so that would be good. Though as for the paying them less, it's understandable as long as it's not by some ridiculous amount.

Whoever is better at their job. Our school always did a test day/test subject with them, where they handled a class in their subject and taught them something new within it (e.g. Maths and Quadratics). And you'd need somebody to see how they look after the pupils, etcetera...

Answer 7

I would say that it depends on your schools budget and what would benefit the children the most. If you can afford to bring in the older teacher with more experience then I would go for that. If you are worried about the money but know are confident in the young teacher that you choose then you should go with them.

But when you bring in the younger teacher remember that this teacher is going to need more training on the everyday aspects of the school and is going to be looking for guidance from someone....that someone may be you and may take up a good amount of your time.