Did anyone go into teaching when they retired/separated from the military? What was your experience like?

Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 15:34:06 -0400

I retired this year and not really sure what I want to do but teaching has been in my head even before I retired. I have a job - but I don't think I want to keep doing it. I just started but I just really want to get away from anything military and this is a contractor job for a military command. I took it thinking oh the benefits are good but I just don't think it's going to work. I have 14 months on my GI Bill. I have been looking at local colleges about programs and there is one that does an accelerated program if you already have degrees. I already have a bachelor's and two masters. I feel like I just need to do something opposite what I did for 20 years and not around military at all. Just curious anyone else who went into teaching or who felt a little lost when they retired.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Sep 19 at 2024 6:52 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:52:25 -0400

Private RallyPoint Member Quite by accident I got into teaching eight years after I left the Marines. I taught electronics in Chicago for three years before we moved to Tennessee. After I was here, I was a trainer for the Magnavox factory teaching them how to work on their product. I was operating an electronics repair shop at the same time. Years later I decided to go back into teaching and got a degree in Mathematics with a concentration in math education. I love it but it's not for everyone.
Here's my suggestion, substitute teach for a while and see if it's what you really want to do. Many of my classmates from ETSU started out as math education majors and went to their first assignment and return to the campus and switched to Statical Track or Scientific track and never went back to the classroom. Others switched majors all together and some finished the program never to step foot inside the classroom as a teacher as hard as that is to believe! Teaching today isn't what it was when I was in school fifty plus years ago! Do the sub route first. If you feel it's your calling, go for it! Best of luck to you whatever you decide. Keep us posted!

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Sep 19 at 2024 6:59 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:59:08 -0400

Once I was at a friend's birthday party and I was informed someone was outside stealing the spare tire off my truck. So I went out the back and taught him all about the flying side kicks. It was exhilarating.