Teachers?

[auld argonian]

I'm 56 and have been threatening going back and getting certified so that I can teach Social Studies in Elementary School. I figure that I could probably get twenty good years in before they take me out on a gurney.

It would be a "mission" because I am just so sick of dealing with people who are totally clueless about basic Geography, History and Economics and I figure that I might at least reach a couple of kids and get them to wake up. I've dealt with several people who are supposed to be doing this and they don't seem to have a very intelligent approach to their job. I know that there's a lot more involved besides just getting up in the front of a classroom and lecturing but if we don't get some enlightened, inquisitive, reasonable people coming up, we are going to have even more difficulties in the future than we have now.

Best

AA

[piperdbh]

I'm a high school choir teacher in North Carolina. Each state has its own rules and regulations, but NC has a "lateral entry" program in which people can begin teaching while taking education classes at the same time. Usually the local school district helps pay for at least part of this, and the last time I checked, you get 5 years to complete your degree.
I would suggest that, before committing to teaching, you volunteer in classes. You could be guest lecturer for a day or something like that. I've gone to Brit. Lit. classes when they were studying Burns and Scott and played a few tunes on the 'pipes, which leads to how they produce thier sound, which leads to why I wear a kilt and not blue jeans which leads to all sorts of discussion. Many of us share a knowledge of history, which is much better learned when the students can see, touch and hear what the lesson is about, rather than just reading out of a book.
Call your local school and see where they can use you. That way, you get a feel for teaching without all the responsibilities, and you can pretty quickly tell if it's something you might want to pursue.
I hope this helps.