Thanks everyone for your thoughts. Yes, I did check with my
retirement system and I am able to work full time in a public
school without any restrictions. I just want to clarify a few
things for one of the posters who responded. I don't necessarily
want to work in a special ed classroom but feel that having the
certification would be another tool in my toolbox. My preference
would be to go back to teaching reading or to work in a resource
room. I retired only because my family needed me at that
particular time. My family has and always will come first. I
should have taken a leave of absence but hindsight is 20-20.
Also, I had a frank discussion with my superintendent regarding
rescinding my retirement and she told me that although I was one
of the districts best teachers she had to weigh the budgetary
needs of the district with my own needs..... I was simply too
expensive. Ironically, the teacher that replaced me left after 2
years, which proves that younger teachers provide no more
guarantee of staying with the district than an older teacher.
Finally, although I have a pension I also have a mortgage and the
same expenses as everyone else. Most people know when they are
going to retire and pay off their mortgage accordingly....as I
said, my decision to retire was sudden and unexpected. I want to
work because I enjoy it but also for financial reasons.
On 11/27/13, well... wrote:
> Being a special education teacher is NOT easy. You'd
have to
> learn all the paperwork, etc. It's a tough job. Personally I
> wouldn't hire an older lady like yourself to take on that job.
> You need a lot of energy to keep up with the dynamics of a
> special ed. classroom and the paperwork. Lots of special ed.
> teachers burn out after a couple years and go to regular
> education. Plus there's the fact that you aren't exactly a
> sure thing. You changed your mind right after you made the
> decision to retire. Who is to say you wouldn't immediately
> leave after stepping foot one day in a special education
> teachers' shoes? No offense, but I would see an older lady
> interviewing and think "I can get someone younger with a
> fresher perspective who is really hungry for this job and
> will have the energy to thrive at this position." You don't
> really need the job (or you wouldn't have retired in the
> first place). You've had your moment in the sun, now
let the
> younger generation have their opportunity. Also, were you
> really well-liked in your last district? I'm guessing "no"
> or they would have rescinded your retirement request
> instantly. They didn't. They really didn't want you back.
> So..think about it...you've had your best years in teaching,
> let it go. You don't have what it takes anymore to be the
> best, and that's what principals want. You're not the bargain
> and bang for the buck you think you are. (No offense, it's
> just that your prime has passed in the teaching world, a
fact
> you yourself acknowledged by retiring in the first place.) Go
> travel! Volunteer! Garden! Join a ladies card club!
Or
> knitting club! Or cooking club! ENJOY your life. On
> 11/24/13, Anne wrote:
>> Any opinions from administrators are much appreciated. I
>> retired and found that I made a huge mistake. I earned
>> additional certification in special education to make
>> myself more marketable to employers. (I already have
>> elementary education and reading certification). Now I'm
>> finding that I'm not even getting responses to my
>> applications...not even rejection letters! I'm a good
>> teacher and any school would be getting more bang for their
>> buck by hiring me. I have experience, knowledge (multiple
>> certifications), wisdom and most of all ...passion for my
>> profession. I'm 65 but by today's standards that is not
>> old, in fact people are working well into their 70's
>> today. As far as salary I would not expect top of the
>> scale pay since I receive a pension. (I considered that my
>> pension may be a reason for not hiring me but what about
>> other applicants who have husbands bringing in an
>> additional income as well? I also considered that employers
>> want an employee who will work for them at least 15-20
>> years....fine, but there's no guarantee that younger
>> employees will work that long....marriage, divorce, moving,
>> pregnancy, raising a family, etc.). I'm energetic and
>> have no physical limitations. Personally I can't understand
>> why a school district would not want to at least interview
>> me. Did I waste my time and money earning this additional
>> certification? Do I have a chance of being hired anywhere?
>> Any input or suggestions are welcomed!
Posts on this thread, including this one