Question:
According a report by the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future, over the next four years more than a third of the nation’s 3.2 million teachers could retire, due to a large demographic age bubble. How will you decide when it is time for you to retire from teaching? Would you continue teaching in a more flexible or part-time role, if you could?
Replies:
PA
I know that it is getting closer to my retiring. I am 60 years old, and the demands from administration, parents and students, plus the increasing workload, is truly taking its toll. Within the next two years, I will retire. Yes, I would most definitely continue teaching in a more flexible or part-time role. There's no doubt because I love the day to day interaction with my sixth graders.
Terri - Port Orchard, WA
When I can't button my blouse then I know it will be time to retire. My students keep me young (most days).
Elizabeth J. Sawyer-Cunningham - Altadena, California
At this point in my teaching career, I'm unable to envision not teaching at all. I have decided to retire from active teaching in 2011,which was my original retirement date. As that time gets closer, I'm not sure if I will be ready to go at that time since my husband will still be working. I think that I could continue teaching in a more flexible and/or part time format as long as I'm healthy and have the energy to do so.
MI
I think that part time teaching would be a wonderful idea, as long as I could still access my pension. I think older teachers have a lot to offer schools with young "rookies" coming on board. As the demands on my time grow to accomodate diverse populations, changing standards, and special needs, I feel it's time for me to start looking at some form of "semi-retirement" with the option to keep contributing to the educational community in a positive fashion.
Brad S - Wausau, WI
It suddenly hit me that I am of the age I could retire so this question is big in my mind. I still enjoy teaching yet I feel it is getting harder to do at the elementary level. When my retirement savings come back and my kids are out of college (3 years) then I will think more seriously. There are so many things I want to do outside of teaching in my classroom that I don't want to wait until I'm 65. If my teaching schedule was more flexible or I could afford to go part-time I would consider those options as well. Money is my main concern. I do not want to end up handing out shopping carts at Walmart to make ends meet.
KY
I believe that the public looks at a teacher's job as an 8:00 to 3:00 commitment with summers off. The average person on the street does not understand what is required of teachers when school is not in session. I suppose there are teachers who look at the job that way as well, but I don't know any of them.
rajasthan
Officially there are limitations but personally if you are passionate about teaching, if you keep yourself update and if your health allows you then I dont think that the person has retired. Yes,i will keep on teaching anyhow!! I Love It!! It fulfils me!!
Eddie H. Renfroe - Ravenna, Ohio
If more science equipment (technology) and supplies are provided in the near future, I would, more than likely, remain as an active science teacher. I am eligible to retire in 2010 based upon my attained age. It is possible that I will remain in the field for six more years.
AR
I will be sixty this summer and have been teaching for 38 years. I don't want to retire yet, even though time is approaching. I would love to continue teaching in a more flexible or part-time role. I think that sounds like a wonderful idea.
MO
I will be looking at my retirement accounts to help me determine when to retire. They took a big hit and I know it will take a while to replenish them. So, my goal of retiring in 6 years is on hold and I'm thinking to be more realistic I will wait 10 years. Yes, if I could I think I'd enjoy teaching either in a flexible or part-time position. A 4 day workweek sounds really nice!
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