To be put off teaching because of 'age' comments?

[Rachtoteach]

My background is in law but for years now I have been toying with the idea of retraining to be a primary school teacher, I want to do something that really matters and makes a difference to people's lives rather than just ambulance chasing ....

My legal quals are not in the form of a degree so my plan would be to do an OU degree over the next few years, and try and get some experience in school, followed by applying for pgce or gtp. All this really excites me however all that sticks in my mind are comments I read on here about how you can't really be a good teacher after the age of 50/55 as you don't have the energy levels and would viewed by parents and pupils as past it! I'm 37, so wouldn't qualify until in my early forties which would mean only a ten-ish year career ahead of me. That's a lot of time, energy and money for ten years!! AIBU to be put off by these comments?

No, people who are more experienced in life make excellent teachers. Are you sure you wouldn't like to teach high school or in FE? You would be well suited.

Thanks Iso, tbh the thought of teaching high school scares me to death - maybe because my own kids haven't reached that age yet and I don't therefore know how to interact with teens! FE is something I would consider.

I don't know the answer, but I'd be very interested as it is something I'm throwing around.

What I really want to do is qualify as a speech and drama teacher, but can't really see any way of doing it.

Ignore people and follow your dream!

There's a difference between coming into the profession later in life and having a 15 year career, and being at the 30 year mark with at least a decade to go.

Are you are legal exec? (just nosy!) if so don't worry about the academic side as I've worked with many over the years and the training is degree level so you'll be fine.

I wouldn't worry about the age thing either. Most of my social circle are teachers. DH is 40 and is doing his PGCE at the minute, he loves it. Everyone I know who has converted from a previous career into teaching wishes they had done it earlier. I know its not the easiest job in the world but if you have a previous career I think possibly you are less jaded.

Its wonderful to have a career you feel passionately about so if you do feel strongly you should go for it. 37 is no age at all.