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Massachusetts Teachers Chatboard

When is a person too old to be hired as a new teacher?

by Reed

Oct 12, 2012

I am finishing up grad school, and if everything goes well, will have Masters degree with focus in moderate level disabilities (as well as a teachers licence) within the year. Here is my concern- I'm a 44 year old male- will my age and my gender go against me in procuring a special ed job? Most teachers in that field are almost half my age and female. Thanks

view previous comments

anon It isn't "sour grapes." Know of what you speak before hitting the keyboard.

Not everybody is like you. And yes, age discrimination is rampant in education.

Wait until it happens to you once you are deemed too old or "too expensive" and have your career stolen from you.

Read Diane Ravitch's blog, newspapers, and other s...See MoreIt isn't "sour grapes." Know of what you speak before hitting the keyboard.

Not everybody is like you. And yes, age discrimination is rampant in education.

Wait until it happens to you once you are deemed too old or "too expensive" and have your career stolen from you.

Read Diane Ravitch's blog, newspapers, and other sources to understand what is happening. Education is not at all like it was when you were starting out.

If there are openings in special education, and there aren't that many anymore, it's because they are typically the worst jobs in a school district. There is a reason for that, and it has to do with the monstrous paperwork involved, not to mention the constant threat of legal action by parents.

On 10/14/12, olderteacher wrote: > Reed, take the previous posts as sour grapes. It certainly is not > like that everywhere. I teach in a city north of Boston and we most > definitely do not give preference to young or female applicants. > Our special education teachers are hired centrally, not by the > principals. My school has several teachers, men and women, who are > second career teachers, hired in their 40s and one in his 50's. We > need more male teachers at all grade levels to provide positive role > models for our students. Good luck! Apply early and everywhere. I > guarantee you will get a sped job. We were hiring right up until > the first day of school. > > > > On 10/14/12, Only young bimbos need apply wrote: >> On 10/13/12, anon wrote: >>> On 10/12/12, Reed wrote: >>>> I am finishing up grad school, and if everything goes well, >>>> will have Masters degree with focus in moderate level >>>> disabilities (as well as a teachers licence) within the >>>> year. >>>> Here is my concern- I'm a 44 year old male- will my age and >>>> my gender go against me in procuring a special ed job? Most >>>> teachers in that field are almost half my age and female. >>>> Thanks >>> >>> >>> To be honest, you never should have gone into education in the >>> first place, not even special ed. Principals tend to like >>> young bimbos not just because they are cheaper than >>> experienced teachers, but they are also less likely to ask >>> those rude questions that challenge the principals' >>> "authority." >> >> This is so true. Principals like the stupid greenhorns who are >> too stupid to see clearly what is going on around them and who >> will do exactly what they are told. >> >> You picked the wrong field. >> >>> >>> Age discrimination is rampant in the education field, >>> especially if you are over 50 years of age. >> >> Yep. >> >>> >>> If you are smart, avoid teaching in public ed. >> >> Yep. Come back in a couple of years and let us know how things >> worked out.

Oct 14, 2012

anon Even worse for older new teachers is if they work in one of the 14 states like Massachusetts where public employees such as teachers do not pay into Social Security. Do not work in a state where public employees do not pay into it, for you will be shafted at retirement thanks to WEP/GPO. Your Social Security will be reduced unless you have paid thi...See MoreEven worse for older new teachers is if they work in one of the 14 states like Massachusetts where public employees such as teachers do not pay into Social Security. Do not work in a state where public employees do not pay into it, for you will be shafted at retirement thanks to WEP/GPO. Your Social Security will be reduced unless you have paid thirty years or more into Social Security-covered work.

This is serious stuff. It matters less if you are in your twenties and just starting out, so you don't lose anything if you've never paid in and you get a fairly large amount of money at retirement with the state pension, but it is critical if you are mid-career.

Of course with state governments trying to slash pension benefits, it is even more foolish to go into education or other public employment.

Congress hasn't done one thing about repealing WEP/GPO, and I don't think it ever will despite its unfairness:

[link removed]

On 10/14/12, anon wrote: > It isn't "sour grapes." Know of what you speak before hitting the > keyboard. > > Not everybody is like you. And yes, age discrimination is rampant in > education. > > Wait until it happens to you once you are deemed too old or "too > expensive" and have your career stolen from you. > > Read Diane Ravitch's blog, newspapers, and other sources to understand > what is happening. Education is not at all like it was when you were > starting out. > > If there are openings in special education, and there aren't that many > anymore, it's because they are typically the worst jobs in a school > district. There is a reason for that, and it has to do with the > monstrous paperwork involved, not to mention the constant threat of > legal action by parents. > > > On 10/14/12, olderteacher wrote: >> Reed, take the previous posts as sour grapes. It certainly is not >> like that everywhere. I teach in a city north of Boston and we most >> definitely do not give preference to young or female applicants. >> Our special education teachers are hired centrally, not by the >> principals. My school has several teachers, men and women, who are >> second career teachers, hired in their 40s and one in his 50's. We >> need more male teachers at all grade levels to provide positive role >> models for our students. Good luck! Apply early and everywhere. I >> guarantee you will get a sped job. We were hiring right up until >> the first day of school. >> >> >> >> On 10/14/12, Only young bimbos need apply wrote: >>> On 10/13/12, anon wrote: >>>> On 10/12/12, Reed wrote: >>>>> I am finishing up grad school, and if everything goes well, >>>>> will have Masters degree with focus in moderate level >>>>> disabilities (as well as a teachers licence) within the >>>>> year. >>>>> Here is my concern- I'm a 44 year old male- will my age and >>>>> my gender go against me in procuring a special ed job? Most >>>>> teachers in that field are almost half my age and female. >>>>> Thanks >>>> >>>> >>>> To be honest, you never should have gone into education in the >>>> first place, not even special ed. Principals tend to like >>>> young bimbos not just because they are cheaper than >>>> experienced teachers, but they are also less likely to ask >>>> those rude questions that challenge the principals' >>>> "authority." >>> >>> This is so true. Principals like the stupid greenhorns who are >>> too stupid to see clearly what is going on around them and who >>> will do exactly what they are told. >>> >>> You picked the wrong field. >>> >>>> >>>> Age discrimination is rampant in the education field, >>>> especially if you are over 50 years of age. >>> >>> Yep. >>> >>>> >>>> If you are smart, avoid teaching in public ed. >>> >>> Yep. Come back in a couple of years and let us know how things >>> worked out.

Oct 15, 2012

Other Options I would say that if you have confidence in yourself as a career changer, know your strengths, then go for it. In my opinion, many school districts would welcome a male role model in a class for students with moderate disabilities. It would not hurt to have at least one class in behavior management since so many kids of all labels have the psycholog...See MoreI would say that if you have confidence in yourself as a career changer, know your strengths, then go for it. In my opinion, many school districts would welcome a male role model in a class for students with moderate disabilities. It would not hurt to have at least one class in behavior management since so many kids of all labels have the psychological or mental health aspects to deal with, too. A final word would be for any man or woman in early 40s that if you have a several months ahead before you apply, take time to get yourself into good physical shape,too. The healthier you appear can only help as opposed to middle-aged creep or sprawl. Also, do not hesitate to weave in what you might bring to your job just from life experience and/or previous career choice. For one thing students AND their families need educators who are grounded in realism and can help the families and students make sensible choices regarding education and vocational options. Encourage all to stay through age 21 because there is so little out there now in adult services....

n 10/14/12, anon wrote: > It isn't "sour grapes." Know of what you speak before hitting the > keyboard. > > Not everybody is like you. And yes, age discrimination is rampant in > education. > > Wait until it happens to you once you are deemed too old or "too > expensive" and have your career stolen from you. > > Read Diane Ravitch's blog, newspapers, and other sources to understand > what is happening. Education is not at all like it was when you were > starting out. > > If there are openings in special education, and there aren't that many > anymore, it's because they are typically the worst jobs in a school > district. There is a reason for that, and it has to do with the > monstrous paperwork involved, not to mention the constant threat of > legal action by parents. > > > On 10/14/12, olderteacher wrote: >> Reed, take the previous posts as sour grapes. It certainly is not >> like that everywhere. I teach in a city north of Boston and we most >> definitely do not give preference to young or female applicants. >> Our special education teachers are hired centrally, not by the >> principals. My school has several teachers, men and women, who are >> second career teachers, hired in their 40s and one in his 50's. We >> need more male teachers at all grade levels to provide positive role >> models for our students. Good luck! Apply early and everywhere. I >> guarantee you will get a sped job. We were hiring right up until >> the first day of school. >> >> >> >> On 10/14/12, Only young bimbos need apply wrote: >>> On 10/13/12, anon wrote: >>>> On 10/12/12, Reed wrote: >>>>> I am finishing up grad school, and if everything goes well, >>>>> will have Masters degree with focus in moderate level >>>>> disabilities (as well as a teachers licence) within the >>>>> year. >>>>> Here is my concern- I'm a 44 year old male- will my age and >>>>> my gender go against me in procuring a special ed job? Most >>>>> teachers in that field are almost half my age and female. >>>>> Thanks >>>> >>>> >>>> To be honest, you never should have gone into education in the >>>> first place, not even special ed. Principals tend to like >>>> young bimbos not just because they are cheaper than >>>> experienced teachers, but they are also less likely to ask >>>> those rude questions that challenge the principals' >>>> "authority." >>> >>> This is so true. Principals like the stupid greenhorns who are >>> too stupid to see clearly what is going on around them and who >>> will do exactly what they are told. >>> >>> You picked the wrong field. >>> >>>> >>>> Age discrimination is rampant in the education field, >>>> especially if you are over 50 years of age. >>> >>> Yep. >>> >>>> >>>> If you are smart, avoid teaching in public ed. >>> >>> Yep. Come back in a couple of years and let us know how things >>> worked out.

Oct 21, 2012

olderteacher I agree with Other Options. We absolutely need more positive male role models in the elementary grades, and especially for our special needs and low-income kids. Some good news. My principal recently hired a new Reading Teacher. She is 52 years old and newly certified. In this case, no men applied for the position.

On 10/21/12, Other Optio...See MoreI agree with Other Options. We absolutely need more positive male role models in the elementary grades, and especially for our special needs and low-income kids. Some good news. My principal recently hired a new Reading Teacher. She is 52 years old and newly certified. In this case, no men applied for the position.

On 10/21/12, Other Options wrote: > > I would say that if you have confidence in yourself as a career changer, > know your strengths, then go for it. In my opinion, many school districts > would welcome a male role model in a class for students with moderate > disabilities. It would not hurt to have at least one class in behavior > management since so many kids of all labels have the psychological or > mental health aspects to deal with, too. A final word would be for any man > or woman in early 40s that if you have a several months ahead before you > apply, take time to get yourself into good physical shape,too. The > healthier you appear can only help as opposed to middle-aged creep or > sprawl. Also, do not hesitate to weave in what you might bring to your job > just from life experience and/or previous career choice. For one thing > students AND their families need educators who are grounded in realism and > can help the families and students make sensible choices regarding > education and vocational options. Encourage all to stay through age 21 > because there is so little out there now in adult services.... > > > > > > > > > > > > > n 10/14/12, anon wrote: >> It isn't "sour grapes." Know of what you speak before hitting the >> keyboard. >> >> Not everybody is like you. And yes, age discrimination is rampant in >> education. >> >> Wait until it happens to you once you are deemed too old or "too >> expensive" and have your career stolen from you. >> >> Read Diane Ravitch's blog, newspapers, and other sources to understand >> what is happening. Education is not at all like it was when you were >> starting out. >> >> If there are openings in special education, and there aren't that many >> anymore, it's because they are typically the worst jobs in a school >> district. There is a reason for that, and it has to do with the >> monstrous paperwork involved, not to mention the constant threat of >> legal action by parents. >> >> >> On 10/14/12, olderteacher wrote: >>> Reed, take the previous posts as sour grapes. It certainly is not >>> like that everywhere. I teach in a city north of Boston and we most >>> definitely do not give preference to young or female applicants. >>> Our special education teachers are hired centrally, not by the >>> principals. My school has several teachers, men and women, who are >>> second career teachers, hired in their 40s and one in his 50's. We >>> need more male teachers at all grade levels to provide positive role >>> models for our students. Good luck! Apply early and everywhere. I >>> guarantee you will get a sped job. We were hiring right up until >>> the first day of school. >>> >>> >>> >>> On 10/14/12, Only young bimbos need apply wrote: >>>> On 10/13/12, anon wrote: >>>>> On 10/12/12, Reed wrote: >>>>>> I am finishing up grad school, and if everything goes well, >>>>>> will have Masters degree with focus in moderate level >>>>>> disabilities (as well as a teachers licence) within the >>>>>> year. >>>>>> Here is my concern- I'm a 44 year old male- will my age and >>>>>> my gender go against me in procuring a special ed job? Most >>>>>> teachers in that field are almost half my age and female. >>>>>> Thanks >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> To be honest, you never should have gone into education in the >>>>> first place, not even special ed. Principals tend to like >>>>> young bimbos not just because they are cheaper than >>>>> experienced teachers, but they are also less likely to ask >>>>> those rude questions that challenge the principals' >>>>> "authority." >>>> >>>> This is so true. Principals like the stupid greenhorns who are >>>> too stupid to see clearly what is going on around them and who >>>> will do exactly what they are told. >>>> >>>> You picked the wrong field. >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Age discrimination is rampant in the education field, >>>>> especially if you are over 50 years of age. >>>> >>>> Yep. >>>> >>>>> >>>>> If you are smart, avoid teaching in public ed. >>>> >>>> Yep. Come back in a couple of years and let us know how things >>>> worked out.

Oct 28, 2012

jabise Now -- please don't be negative. I got a job as a special ed teacher and I was in my fifties. I was a career-changer. Of course I was in a field that had lots of shortages and burnouts. I am now 62, lost my teaching position after 5 years and thought I would never get hired again. I had several job offers over the summer. I am at a new school that ...See MoreNow -- please don't be negative. I got a job as a special ed teacher and I was in my fifties. I was a career-changer. Of course I was in a field that had lots of shortages and burnouts. I am now 62, lost my teaching position after 5 years and thought I would never get hired again. I had several job offers over the summer. I am at a new school that is considered one of the best public schools in my state and have been told by several administrators that I am the best teacher they have had in years. Also many districts are looking for male teachers also to teach to the moderate disability population. These children do not often have positive male role models in their life. I say go for it and do not listen to the naysayers. I had so many people who told me I could never get a job at my age. I proved them wrong.

On 10/21/12, Other Options wrote: > > I would say that if you have confidence in yourself as a career changer, > know your strengths, then go for it. In my opinion, many school districts > would welcome a male role model in a class for students with moderate > disabilities. It would not hurt to have at least one class in behavior > management since so many kids of all labels have the psychological or > mental health aspects to deal with, too. A final word would be for any man > or woman in early 40s that if you have a several months ahead before you > apply, take time to get yourself into good physical shape,too. The > healthier you appear can only help as opposed to middle-aged creep or > sprawl. Also, do not hesitate to weave in what you might bring to your job > just from life experience and/or previous career choice. For one thing > students AND their families need educators who are grounded in realism and > can help the families and students make sensible choices regarding > education and vocational options. Encourage all to stay through age 21 > because there is so little out there now in adult services.... > > > > > > > > > > > > > n 10/14/12, anon wrote: >> It isn't "sour grapes." Know of what you speak before hitting the >> keyboard. >> >> Not everybody is like you. And yes, age discrimination is rampant in >> education. >> >> Wait until it happens to you once you are deemed too old or "too >> expensive" and have your career stolen from you. >> >> Read Diane Ravitch's blog, newspapers, and other sources to understand >> what is happening. Education is not at all like it was when you were >> starting out. >> >> If there are openings in special education, and there aren't that many >> anymore, it's because they are typically the worst jobs in a school >> district. There is a reason for that, and it has to do with the >> monstrous paperwork involved, not to mention the constant threat of >> legal action by parents. >> >> >> On 10/14/12, olderteacher wrote: >>> Reed, take the previous posts as sour grapes. It certainly is not >>> like that everywhere. I teach in a city north of Boston and we most >>> definitely do not give preference to young or female applicants. >>> Our special education teachers are hired centrally, not by the >>> principals. My school has several teachers, men and women, who are >>> second career teachers, hired in their 40s and one in his 50's. We >>> need more male teachers at all grade levels to provide positive role >>> models for our students. Good luck! Apply early and everywhere. I >>> guarantee you will get a sped job. We were hiring right up until >>> the first day of school. >>> >>> >>> >>> On 10/14/12, Only young bimbos need apply wrote: >>>> On 10/13/12, anon wrote: >>>>> On 10/12/12, Reed wrote: >>>>>> I am finishing up grad school, and if everything goes well, >>>>>> will have Masters degree with focus in moderate level >>>>>> disabilities (as well as a teachers licence) within the >>>>>> year. >>>>>> Here is my concern- I'm a 44 year old male- will my age and >>>>>> my gender go against me in procuring a special ed job? Most >>>>>> teachers in that field are almost half my age and female. >>>>>> Thanks >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> To be honest, you never should have gone into education in the >>>>> first place, not even special ed. Principals tend to like >>>>> young bimbos not just because they are cheaper than >>>>> experienced teachers, but they are also less likely to ask >>>>> those rude questions that challenge the principals' >>>>> "authority." >>>> >>>> This is so true. Principals like the stupid greenhorns who are >>>> too stupid to see clearly what is going on around them and who >>>> will do exactly what they are told. >>>> >>>> You picked the wrong field. >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Age discrimination is rampant in the education field, >>>>> especially if you are over 50 years of age. >>>> >>>> Yep. >>>> >>>>> >>>>> If you are smart, avoid teaching in public ed. >>>> >>>> Yep. Come back in a couple of years and let us know how things >>>> worked out.

Nov 28, 2012

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