Looking Forward

Every teacher knows the value of doing your homework, and if a retried teacher is considering reentering the workforce, the situation is no different. Whether changing financial conditions or renewed passion for teaching is the driving force to get back into the classroom, there are important tips that can help smooth the transition for a teacher who is planning to come out of retirement.

Megan Hookey, vice president of the National Retired Teacher’s Association, which is the American Association of Retired Persons’ (AARP) educator community, says the key for any retired teacher who wants to reenter the professional education arena is flexibility. “Across the board we are certainly seeing an increase in people who are returning to the classroom because of financial reasons,” she says. “If they operate within what is available within the school system, they can usually find some work.”

Hookey adds that often, retired teachers find themselves in an ideal position to market what they have to offer as an experienced educator. “He or she has walked in the shoes of an active educator, and there is no doubt that this is valued.” She suggests that even with years of experience, a returning retiree can expect a much smoother transition if first ensuring the full support of administration—and cautions there can be a few challenges awaiting someone getting back into the classroom after years outside of it.

Hookey also recommends that teachers try to reenter a school district where they have previously worked. “A returning educator is also in a good position to address areas of need and how their skills can fulfill that need,” she says.

When approaching administrators or trying to get hired, Hookey acknowledges the possibility of discrimination against older job candidates. “There are certainly times where people might make judgments on a person’s capabilities based on their age,” she says.

“One of the problems people often run into is an assumption they cannot work with the new technology.” She recommends teachers be armed with knowledge, even if that means taking a computer course. “Actually, studies have shown that one of the fastest groups to adapt are people over the age of 50,” she notes. “When trained, these individuals have the ability to perform at the level of people decades younger.”

A positive mental boost can be for retired teachers to remember they are not alone. According to the AARP, by 2010, one in three workers will be over the age of 50. Hookey adds, wisdom and age often yield more respect in teaching than in other professions. “Generally, in the world of education, people who have taught before are valued. That is perhaps a unique experience,” she says.

In addition, reentering the education workforce might mean other things besides just traditional teaching. Hookey recommends retired teachers consider becoming a mentor or coach to new teachers.

Hookey directs retired educators to the AARP’s Worksearch tool, which provides tips for retired persons who are back on the job hunt. The site not only includes tips such as how to avoid the “overqualified” label, but also resumé advice and links to Web sites that list jobs exclusively for the retired population.

Essentially, retired teachers have a priceless edge reminds Hookey. “They have not burned out, and they still possess a desire to turn on those light bulbs in the minds of their students,” she says. Keeping that passion close at mind will inevitably be one of the most invaluable tools for any teacher who returns to the workplace.

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