<p>I just got an email, subject: “Please consider Teach For America’s new encore program”, where the word “encore” refers to a second career, as in something you do after retirement. I always thought of TFA (Teach for America) as a program for new college grads with the energy and idealism to want to teach in the inner city. I didn’t think it was for old retired folks. </p>
<p>I actually might consider this, but I will need an extended vacation first, so maybe something to think about next year, not something I could rush into right now (applications are due Feb 20… yikes!)
Anyone else?</p>
<p>Many jurisdictions already have this sort of program for second-career professionals. You should check out options in your area; you might find that different programs offer different pros and cons.</p>
<p>When I was an attorney, I thought about teaching a lot. I found another way to be in education full time, but I think it’s a fantastic way to get more smart and well-trained people into (usually STEM) classrooms, some of whom will find that they are great teachers and love the work. Win-win.</p>
<p>The Encore website looks like a clearing house of information for older people to find resources on second careers. It links to TFA as one of many possibilities but I didn’t see anything specifically on the TFA site for older recruits. Interesting idea. D’s kindergarten teacher was on her third career and was the best teacher any of my kids have ever had. But not TFA. There is a lot of mixed opinion on TFA.</p>
<p>My H is a second career teacher (high school bio–first career, pediatrician.) He loves it! However, he would not have felt at all prepared to teach with a TFA kind of program. He took a full program of teacher ed to get a certificate, including student teaching. I can’t imagine at my age (or any, really) getting into a classroom with a couple months of training.</p>
<p>(He’s won a lot of teaching awards and grants, so he’s doing something right! ).</p>
<p>I was just notified that I will be teaching science in Detroit with Teach for America. I am over 50, and have had several careers. TFA has a program for professionals. It seems to mostly like the program for younger people. There were tow of us in my interview group of 12. Go into this with your eyes open, TFA has many critics. </p>
<p>I think Detroit is one of the areas where TFA could make sense.
It was in areas like Seattle though, where we are not in need of certificated teachers, that it didnt.</p>
).</p>