Here's the way I see it

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Here's the way I see it
By G.M.

Hi Donna:
I returned to school around your age. I remember being concerned about agism in the school systems, too. Despite my concerns, I plunged ahead and got my degree.

After getting my credential, my initial plan
was to sub for a year to test various schools out to see which ones would be a "good fit." I also decided to get some interviewing experience at the same time. As advised by one of my instructors, I interviewed at places that I would not want to work for. (This advice was given because most applicants need the practice.) I also interviewed with one district that I heard only hired

"young & pretty" teachers.

Well, I figured this would be a good, safe place to practice since I did not fit this category; therefore, would not be seriously considered. (I was 45 at the time; pretty? well . . . that's a matter of opinion.) So, I go into the interview with no fear, no desire to impress the panel of interviewers. I went in there and was just myself. During the interview, I realized that they were interested in me by the questions they began to ask. The next day, I get "the call" for a job offer. Stunned, I accepted. The rest of the story, I'd rather not share.

Anyway, you ask if older teachers have a chance of getting hired. From my experience and from hearing others' commentary, I'd say the answer is IT DEPENDS on the beleif system of the person hiring you. I do believe that there are many persons who believe that the younger the teacher, the better.
However, I beleive that that will change over time as more of us "oldies" enter the field.

This change will be gradually, like most changes.
Our culture, for the most part, still values youth only; this is the message that has been instilled in us from day one. I think this cultural value need to be seriously re-examined.

Every age group has value. EVERY age group! When the majority of us begin to realize this, we will all reap the benefits. Until then, I suggest you forge ahead with your dream of becoming a techer. If you desire to be a teacher, don't let agism stand in your way. Become one of the trailblazers.

When I feel discouraged, I remind myself of something I read: "Those who want something, find a way. Those who don't, make excuses."

I'm not implying that you are making excuses. I'm sharing this with you because it might inspire you to follow your heart. I believe too many of us do not. It is heart breaking to witness someone who has chosen the path of least resistance only to regret when it's too late.

Again, people of all ages have value. This "truth" needs to be a central part of our cultural belief system. People like you and me can play a vital role in abolishing agism. I do not kid myself into thinking that I will see it completely abolished during my lifetime. But I glean a deep sense of satisfaction being part of the change that future "oldies" will benefit from.
Plus, it feels great to stand up for myself and others in my age group.

I'd really like to ask the person why they think a younger teacher is more valuable than an older one. I'd like this person to make a list of the attributes of the young. Then I'd help this person make a list of the attributes of those who have been here longer on this planet. This person would likely realize that the lists are somewhat similar in some areas. Another realization would be that what is missing from one list is found on the other. So, then I would lead that person to conclude that we need both (young and old) to educate our children. We need to work together. We could share our attributes and learn from each other.

Fairy tale? I think not. I think it's a real possibilty if we all are willing to put in the effort.

Boy! did I carry on. . . . still with me? My intent was to encourage you. I hope I did so in some small way, even though I took many words to say it

Conciseness is not one of my strengthns.

May you make the right decision for you.
Sincerely, G.M.