Ah yes, now on the original post. I agree with the posters that point out that teaching at the collegiate level is a very difficult position to get and there are LOTS of folks with post doctorate work under their belts that are waiting tables. Teaching in the public schools will vary from state to state as far as certification.

Colorado, for instance, has a program that allows you to obtain your certification while you are teaching your first couple of years. You have a sponsor and all sorts of tests and restrictions, but there is a program that was put in place to bring experienced professionals in different disciplines into the teaching field. It seems to be a pretty good program. You might check with your state board of education on that.

One thing that we need to keep in mind is that teaching is a skill that, to some extent, can be learned. Like anything though, that are some with natural skills and desires in that direction. Some people can be engineers, some people can't. It's the same with teaching. The old line "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach" is a crock. There are lots who can do, but can't teach. I studied with members of the Chicago Symphony (way back when), all of them great players, some of them not so great teachers. For the good teachers, it's also a passion. Keep that in mind as you choose a new career path and please, don't become a teacher just because you like the vacation plan. Good luck with whatever you do.

Bill

Thank you everyone for your invaluable perspectives. If I do this, I won't enter into it lightly. I really do believe that a good teacher can change someone's life, and if I do this, I want to be one of the better ones.

Christina - I just wanted to qualify...when I say I need a refresher, I mean from a fluent perspective. I actually have my french bac, and have been working internationally for years - one of the languages I communicate in is French. But even with all that, if I teach young ones, I'd want to go back and learn the basics. It's one thing to know it intuitively - it's another to remember the rules behind all the grammar!! For any subject I'd want to teach kids, I feel that I would need specialized education in that subject, unless they'd want to learn business development and strategic planning, which are esoteric subjects at best.

But I wasn't clear, so I can understand your reaction. It's so hard to be descriptive enough but not to get into too much detail. I too have little tolerance for people who can barely speak a language yet are teaching it. My son is in a private PK school that supposedly teaches French, and while I love his school, the teacher most assuredly is not fluent. When he was 3, my son came home and said that he didn't understand his teacher's French...and indeed, I discretly tried to talk to her in French, and her bonjour alone sounded like this: BAOUNEJAOUR....drives me NUTS.
I would far prefer no French!

Thanks again, everyone, you have given me fodder for much thought.

I am doing something close to this. My job is ending in a few months (due to my company being bought out). I will start my new career as an instructor, teaching continuing education in my profession. It will involve lots of flexibility (I can choose the classes I teach), tons of travel (good side...lots of FF miles; down side... on the road a lot), and enough work to make a decent living. I think this is the best way that I can indulge my love of teaching, while not being tied to a routine or stuck with the low pay of an uncertified teacher or an adjunct professor. I plan to travel a good bit in conjunction with the teaching.

This wouldn't work very well if I had a family, as the travel will be extensive, but for me, I think it will work out very well. If it doesn't, I'll just get a regular job again!

Just to give you another idea of a way to combine teaching with travel!

Anne

I am a teacher. I left my career for a number of years to be a full time Mom; did some private tutoring from my home. I am back with a school district now and love what I do and feel rewarded and valuable every day. I was hired late this year for a position after I had booked a week in Boston. I took my position with the understanding I would be missing a day of work for this trip. I am leaving next week and have had to send e-mails and reminders and fill out official district leave request forms to miss ONE day!! It is NOT a flexible job when school is in session....only in between times. I have missed many travel ops that came up during the school year. Worth it? Yes, for me. But not as flexible as one might think. My husband has 4 weeks plus 10 holidays plus personal days plus every other Friday off....now there's a schedule! He is an engineer with a large corporation and is well paid, well vacationed and well benefitted....but way less job satisfied. Its all relative! Follow your heart.

Wojazz3 wrote: "SusanM: I'm sorry, I hope you didn't think I was attacking you."

No, no no, certainly not, Bill. I was trying (unsuccessfully) to insert some lightness! No, I appreciated your defense. I too have enjoyed this thread, as I'm always curious to hear what others think of the profession. It's why I read it in the first place!

This is for people who are interested in traveling and teaching English to adults:

Do the four-week CELTA course! (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults)

There are schools all over the world offering this course. I went to International House in London, which I highly recommend.

Website info:
http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teaching/celta.htm
http://www.english-international.com/CELTAadvice.html

Destinations desperately looking for teachers: China and Poland.
For more info on available teaching jobs, see:
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/lis...sl/index.shtml

Good material!

Try the USA Peace Corps for teaching opportunities. Check with, City University at Bellevue WA., about foreign jobs.

Comment: Check the Polish Embassy about work visa requirements.

I've scanned this thread so my apologies ahead of time if I'm repeating information.

In my state teachers are needed so much that school districts hire people coming from the private or military sector and give them 3 years to complete the certification process. You may check to see if there in something similar in your state.

As a former public school teacher I agree with the comments that it is VERY hard to get away from the classroom for even just a day. To hope for flexibility to travel by taking teaching days off is not realistic.

But, I did travel during virtually every school break and took a lot of great trips during spring break. Now, the schools in my area offer a mid-winter break and teachers go to Europe to ski, to the Keys to sun, etc.

When I taught we pretty much had summer "off". But, now our schools start in early August (some the last week of July) and although school closes right around Memorial Day it has become more difficult to get away for the summer. With NCLB and existing certification requirements, many teachers are in college classes and/or certification classes.

I was a corporate traniner for a while and loved it. You may want to look into the training departments in corporations.

AuntAnnie:

Your husband and I may work for the same large corporation. We have that same "vacation" package.

Bill

Bill:
Are you happy at work??!
There seems to be a lot of stress in the corporate world. (although I am married to a perfectionist, so some of his is internalized)

When I was a teacher and/or a principal (Elementary School) for 42 years and had a wife and 3 kids I DID NOT HAVE FLEXIBILITY! I usually got a summer job during those months off! This is probably still true for most teachers who are parents. As far as certification- some states are making it much easier to switch careers and teach- check the state where you live. Bottom line is that now that I am semi-retired (74) I have much more flexibility, some money, and my wife and I are able to do some travelling! You can't have your cake and eat it too! Dream on.