I'm going to teach...

**David White** · 11th January 07, 03:47 PM

....when I finish my class. After two year's of substituting teaching I've made the choice to get my teaching degree, in Special Education. I need to finish this class I'm taking then I can get my temporary. Then about 30 hours over the next three years. Scared about this? Heck yes. But I will make a great teacher.

Mid-life changes? It could be worse.

**Barclay** · 11th January 07, 03:52 PM

When I think of the people, besides my family, that shaped me most I immediately think specifically of a couple of teachers. Teachers are special people. Good on ya!

**beloitpiper** · 11th January 07, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by David White

Mid-life changes? It could be worse.

Yeah, you could be wearing pants!!!

Good luck, and you have all of our support.

**David White** · 11th January 07, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

Yeah, you could be wearing pants!!!

Good luck, and you have all of our support.

I will have to wear pants, dang it!

**McMurdo** · 11th January 07, 03:58 PM

Good luck with it David.

**cessna152towser** · 11th January 07, 04:04 PM

Congratulations in going into the job you really want to do.

I wanted to follow my father into a career in aviation but ended up after university working in a law office which I hated. I went on to work in local government, as a schools lawyer and later as a town hall manager. I took early retirement after 30 years. Now my pension pays for life's essentials and the part-time law practice which I set up when I retired subsidises my part-time activities in aviation - I'm a volunteer at an aviation museum and having gained a private pilot licence I'm now doing an instrument flying course. So to you and others of our age group - if you want to do it just go for it !!

**thescot** · 11th January 07, 04:23 PM

David, I started teaching five years ago after several big mid-life changes. I was 49! I'd had "real jobs" that paid about three times what I make now, but this is better.

Nothing wrong with that. You already know the satisfaction of seeing the lights go on when one of the students "gets it."

And just think, where else can you actually get paid for reading? For studying the classics? For constantly learning and expanding your own mind, not to mention the minds of your students.

Yeah, we have to wear trousers a lot, but I do find reasons to wear the kilt to school, and the students love it in the end. Some of them start out laughing, so we all laugh together while I point out that only I am dressed like a true warrior, etc., etc., etc.

And them they start wanting to know all about kilts, Scotland, the games, etc. What a teaching moment. (Sorry for the educationeze!) And I am quite certain that mature men who have been aroudn the block can be great teachers.

And, last but not least, just think. You are following in the footsteps of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Newton, and Ms. Bridger (my high school geometry teacher).

That's some pretty high cotton you're chopping in.

Congrats on finding your calling.

**Alan H** · 11th January 07, 04:41 PM

Special Ed?

My hat is off to you, Sir.

**Cawdorian** · 11th January 07, 04:42 PM

David,

Congratulations on your decision, I know you'll do well.

**Splash_4** · 11th January 07, 05:26 PM

David,

I bow in humble thanks to the task you are taking on. Many of my friends teach in the special ed areas and some of the stories they tell break my heart. To have a desire to do that and the gumption to follow through makes you a true man in my eyes!

Mike