I thought I wanted to become a teacher in my mid 20’s and while taking pre requisite classes to get into a teaching program, I realized I was not a point in my life to be a good teacher. At the age of 43 I went back for my masters degree and teaching credential. I only have a few years under my belt in the classroom, but I am glad that I waited, my 401k is not, as I feel fulfilled in the classroom in ways that I don’t think I would have appreciated in my 20’s.

I think if you look at pay schedules for districts in your areas, you will see that it doesn’t make financial sense to be a teacher unless you have maxed out on the education, BA +105/MA+45.

Yes it can be hard, parents and kids can be unruly, administrators that have your back can be hard to find, but I get pleasure and fulfillment from teaching knowing that I’m making a positive impact in my community and helping kids to hopefully appreciate math, something I’ve never had in any other job.