Job Discussion Forums

[simon44]

Background:
Over the past 10 years or so, I have been employed in a second career as a Homeroom teacher in several countries in south-east Asia, teaching a broad range of subjects (ESL, Maths, Science, Citizenship) to students in the 6 - 12 age range.

I have 2 post-grad degrees in non-teaching subjects, a TEFL that I obtained many years ago, and an upbringing in an academic family that has provided me with a good general education and 'worldy knowledge'.

With these miscellaneous qualifications, I have been able to obtain enjoyable employment in private, bilingual schools, with a reasonable salary, friendly work colleagues and always great students.

My employment in teaching has been interrupted on a regular basis by me building small hotels in Thailand - I would build a hotel, then teach for a year or so, then build another hotel and so on. (My employment with the schools always disclosed that I would work for 1 year, then not for 1 year etc, everyone was happy with this).

Now I'm 56 years old, am selling out from the hotel business, and am ready to return to teach full-time again.

I don't need to teach for the money alone, but as a father of 4 kids and with my family's academic background, (my father was a languages professor, my 2 brothers are university lecturers), I really enjoy teaching primary grades and especially the moment when my young students grasp the topic that I'm trying to explain to them.

So here is my problem. I want to continue to teach primary Homeroom, and intend to obtain some relevant teaching credentials, such as diplomas in teaching Maths and Science at primary grades.

But are older male teachers readily accepted as primary grade teachers? I look young for my age, am fit and have a wicked sense of humour. (Perhaps more relevant, younger work colleagues write glowing references about my work). Plus of course, all criminal checks are clean.

I worry that schools may view my job application with an 'uh oh, old guy wanting to teach young kids, bin this one...'

I don't want to invest in primary grade qualifications if there is widespread discrimination that will severely limit my chance of securing a job.

My MSc in Engineering Physics makes it easy for me to teach Maths and Physics up to A level grades, but in all honesty, I am happy to leave Physics behind with my previous engineering career.

What is good advice for me for returning to teaching? Is there discrimination against older male teachers? Should I opt for sex-reassignment surgery and become an older, female teacher?

[spiral78]

Uh, where are you thinking of trying to teach? Makes a significant difference in relevant answers.

[scot47]

Gender re-assignment so that you can get a job for a few years ? You expect us to take this seriously ?

[spiral78]

I presumed that part was a joke....but the lack of other key info is pretty limiting. What nationality is the OP, and where does he think he wants to teach in future?

[AGoodStory]

[spiral78]

It's also about the fact that the number of opportunities for teaching young kids varies by region. In much of Europe, for example, this is normally done by qualified locals who are not native English speakers and job ops for a native speaker are thin on the ground.

[simon44]

[scot47]

I did not realise that the OP was utilising Irony. Hoist by my own petard. I have used Irony here and then been annoyed because readers did not get my use of figurative language.

If you can teach Physics, I would stick with that. 56 is a bit late for a career change.

[spiral78]

[suphanburi]

While gender is an issue for all ages of teacher applicants (females are preferred for primary schools) more often than not it will be the age factor impacting your visa as it relates to employment rather than gender bias.

Depending on the country there are visa rather than employer issues.

In Korea you won't get hired for k-12 after 55.
Language schools can hire up to 62. After that you can't get a visa as a teacher.

In Thailand you are looking at 60 as an upper limit for a teacher's license or license waiver (and hence work permit and visa issues).

In China there is a glass ceiling at 60 but exceptions are made for qualified individuals.

The same is true in the rest of the ASEAN +6.

At the tertiary level there are lots of exceptions for qualified individuals both as EFL, subject teaching and research positions.

.

[simon44]

[nomad soul]

[scot47]

I am 68. I still have not decided what to do when I grow up.

[AGoodStory]

[nomad soul]