5 answers
Sylvia
Student
Depew, New York
1
Question
Asked
624 views
I'm currently a retired high school science teacher looking to return to school and was wondering what are some optional 2nd career paths I could choose with my background?
I would like to continue educating, training, and empowering young people to become career and or college ready, equipped for employment
5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Sylvia,
Charting New Professional Horizons for a Retired High School Science Educator
As a retired science educator, your passion for teaching and empowering young minds doesn't have to end with your retirement. There's a world of opportunities waiting for you, perfectly aligned with your desire to continue shaping the future of education. Here are some potential second career paths you might find intriguing:
1. Education Administrator: Leveraging your teaching background, you could step into a leadership role as an education administrator. This role would allow you to guide educational institutions, craft curriculum, manage staff, and ensure the overall effectiveness of educational programs.
2. Curriculum Developer/Instructional Designer: Put your educational expertise to use by becoming a curriculum developer or instructional designer. This role involves creating engaging learning materials, designing courses, and introducing innovative teaching methods to boost student performance.
3. Corporate Trainer: Why not apply your teaching skills in the corporate world? As a corporate trainer, you'd be responsible for creating and delivering training programs, helping employees gain new skills and knowledge to thrive in their roles.
4. College Instructor/Professor: If higher education sparks your interest, you might consider becoming a college instructor or professor. This would allow you to teach science at a higher level, inspiring students to venture into various scientific fields.
5. Educational Consultant: As an educational consultant, you'd have the opportunity to share your insights and expertise with schools, educators, and organizations, advising them on the best teaching and learning practices. This role enables you to make a broader impact on the educational landscape.
6. Science Communicator/Writer: If you have a knack for explaining scientific concepts in an accessible way, a career as a science communicator or writer could be a perfect fit. This could involve writing educational materials, creating science-themed content for media, or even hosting educational programs that make science fun and engaging for all.
7. Online Educator: Given the growth of online learning, becoming an online educator could be a great option. You could create online courses, conduct virtual classes, and connect with students globally who are seeking quality education from the comfort of their homes.
In summary, retirement doesn't mean the end of your educational journey. There are numerous second career paths that allow you to continue influencing young lives and exploring new professional avenues that are in sync with your love for education.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers valuable data on various education-related career paths, including job prospects, salary details, and educational prerequisites.
National Education Association (NEA): The NEA provides resources and advice on different roles in the education sector, helping individuals navigate career options post-teaching retirement.
Chronicle of Higher Education: This publication sheds light on trends and opportunities in higher education careers, such as college teaching roles, offering valuable insights for those considering a shift into academia.
God Bless You,
JC.
Charting New Professional Horizons for a Retired High School Science Educator
As a retired science educator, your passion for teaching and empowering young minds doesn't have to end with your retirement. There's a world of opportunities waiting for you, perfectly aligned with your desire to continue shaping the future of education. Here are some potential second career paths you might find intriguing:
1. Education Administrator: Leveraging your teaching background, you could step into a leadership role as an education administrator. This role would allow you to guide educational institutions, craft curriculum, manage staff, and ensure the overall effectiveness of educational programs.
2. Curriculum Developer/Instructional Designer: Put your educational expertise to use by becoming a curriculum developer or instructional designer. This role involves creating engaging learning materials, designing courses, and introducing innovative teaching methods to boost student performance.
3. Corporate Trainer: Why not apply your teaching skills in the corporate world? As a corporate trainer, you'd be responsible for creating and delivering training programs, helping employees gain new skills and knowledge to thrive in their roles.
4. College Instructor/Professor: If higher education sparks your interest, you might consider becoming a college instructor or professor. This would allow you to teach science at a higher level, inspiring students to venture into various scientific fields.
5. Educational Consultant: As an educational consultant, you'd have the opportunity to share your insights and expertise with schools, educators, and organizations, advising them on the best teaching and learning practices. This role enables you to make a broader impact on the educational landscape.
6. Science Communicator/Writer: If you have a knack for explaining scientific concepts in an accessible way, a career as a science communicator or writer could be a perfect fit. This could involve writing educational materials, creating science-themed content for media, or even hosting educational programs that make science fun and engaging for all.
7. Online Educator: Given the growth of online learning, becoming an online educator could be a great option. You could create online courses, conduct virtual classes, and connect with students globally who are seeking quality education from the comfort of their homes.
In summary, retirement doesn't mean the end of your educational journey. There are numerous second career paths that allow you to continue influencing young lives and exploring new professional avenues that are in sync with your love for education.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers valuable data on various education-related career paths, including job prospects, salary details, and educational prerequisites.
National Education Association (NEA): The NEA provides resources and advice on different roles in the education sector, helping individuals navigate career options post-teaching retirement.
Chronicle of Higher Education: This publication sheds light on trends and opportunities in higher education careers, such as college teaching roles, offering valuable insights for those considering a shift into academia.
God Bless You,
JC.
Shirley L
Accountant
64
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Hi Sylvia,
Have you thought about working as a school guidance counselor or a college academic advisor?
My high school counselor helped me select my courses, arrange my schedule and ensured I was on track to graduate. Unlike my teachers whom I met daily, I infrequently met with her to catch-up. She was very supportive and always provided a listening ear.
Have you thought about working as a school guidance counselor or a college academic advisor?
My high school counselor helped me select my courses, arrange my schedule and ensured I was on track to graduate. Unlike my teachers whom I met daily, I infrequently met with her to catch-up. She was very supportive and always provided a listening ear.
Amina Bahar
PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE CONSULTANT
22
Answers
Cambridge, Maryland
Updated
Amina’s Answer
Returning to school for a second career can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, especially with a background in science education. Here are several career paths that might be well-suited to your background and interests:
1. Healthcare and Medical Fields
**Nursing:**
- **Path:** Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an accelerated nursing program if you already hold a bachelor’s degree.
- **Why:** Nursing leverages your science knowledge and offers opportunities to help others directly.
**Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacist:**
- **Path:** Complete a pharmacy technician program or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree.
- **Why:** Utilize your chemistry background in a clinical setting.
**Medical Laboratory Technician:**
- **Path:** Obtain an associate degree or a certificate in medical laboratory technology.
- **Why:** Apply your biology and chemistry knowledge in a lab environment.
2. Environmental and Conservation Fields
**Environmental Scientist:**
- **Path:** Pursue a degree or certification in environmental science or environmental management.
- **Why:** Use your science background to work on conservation and sustainability projects.
**Wildlife Biologist:**
- **Path:** Earn a degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field.
- **Why:** Combine a love of science and nature to study and protect wildlife.
3. Education and Training
**Corporate Trainer:**
- **Path:** Gain certification in corporate training or instructional design.
- **Why:** Use your teaching experience to train employees in various industries.
**Educational Consultant:**
- **Path:** Obtain credentials in educational consulting or a related field.
- **Why:** Help schools and educational organizations improve their curricula and teaching methods.
**Online Instructor or Tutor:**
- **Path:** Develop expertise in online teaching platforms and instructional design.
- **Why:** Continue teaching but in a flexible, often remote, environment.
4. Technology and Data Science
**Data Analyst/Data Scientist:**
- **Path:** Earn a certification or degree in data science, analytics, or a related field.
- **Why:** Apply your analytical skills to interpret data and inform business decisions.
**Technical Writer:**
- **Path:** Obtain a certificate in technical writing or take related coursework.
- **Why:** Leverage your ability to explain complex information clearly.
5. Business and Management
**Project Manager:**
- **Path:** Earn a certification in project management (e.g., PMP).
- **Why:** Use your organizational and leadership skills to manage projects in various industries.
**Human Resources Specialist:**
- **Path:** Gain a degree or certification in human resources management.
- **Why:** Work with people and improve workplace dynamics.
6. Nonprofit and Social Services
**Nonprofit Program Coordinator:**
- **Path:** Pursue coursework or certification in nonprofit management.
- **Why:** Use your skills to support community programs and initiatives.
**Social Worker:**
- **Path:** Obtain a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
- **Why:** Work directly with individuals and communities to provide support and resources.
### Steps to Transition
1. **Self-Assessment:**
- Assess your interests, strengths, and values to determine which career paths align with your personal and professional goals.
2. **Research:**
- Research the educational requirements, job outlook, and potential salaries for careers that interest you.
3. **Further Education:**
- Enroll in necessary courses, certifications, or degree programs. Many institutions offer flexible or online options for working adults.
4. **Networking:**
- Connect with professionals in your desired field through networking events, LinkedIn, or professional organizations.
5. **Experience:**
- Gain relevant experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time positions to build your resume in the new field.
1. Healthcare and Medical Fields
**Nursing:**
- **Path:** Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an accelerated nursing program if you already hold a bachelor’s degree.
- **Why:** Nursing leverages your science knowledge and offers opportunities to help others directly.
**Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacist:**
- **Path:** Complete a pharmacy technician program or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree.
- **Why:** Utilize your chemistry background in a clinical setting.
**Medical Laboratory Technician:**
- **Path:** Obtain an associate degree or a certificate in medical laboratory technology.
- **Why:** Apply your biology and chemistry knowledge in a lab environment.
2. Environmental and Conservation Fields
**Environmental Scientist:**
- **Path:** Pursue a degree or certification in environmental science or environmental management.
- **Why:** Use your science background to work on conservation and sustainability projects.
**Wildlife Biologist:**
- **Path:** Earn a degree in wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field.
- **Why:** Combine a love of science and nature to study and protect wildlife.
3. Education and Training
**Corporate Trainer:**
- **Path:** Gain certification in corporate training or instructional design.
- **Why:** Use your teaching experience to train employees in various industries.
**Educational Consultant:**
- **Path:** Obtain credentials in educational consulting or a related field.
- **Why:** Help schools and educational organizations improve their curricula and teaching methods.
**Online Instructor or Tutor:**
- **Path:** Develop expertise in online teaching platforms and instructional design.
- **Why:** Continue teaching but in a flexible, often remote, environment.
4. Technology and Data Science
**Data Analyst/Data Scientist:**
- **Path:** Earn a certification or degree in data science, analytics, or a related field.
- **Why:** Apply your analytical skills to interpret data and inform business decisions.
**Technical Writer:**
- **Path:** Obtain a certificate in technical writing or take related coursework.
- **Why:** Leverage your ability to explain complex information clearly.
5. Business and Management
**Project Manager:**
- **Path:** Earn a certification in project management (e.g., PMP).
- **Why:** Use your organizational and leadership skills to manage projects in various industries.
**Human Resources Specialist:**
- **Path:** Gain a degree or certification in human resources management.
- **Why:** Work with people and improve workplace dynamics.
6. Nonprofit and Social Services
**Nonprofit Program Coordinator:**
- **Path:** Pursue coursework or certification in nonprofit management.
- **Why:** Use your skills to support community programs and initiatives.
**Social Worker:**
- **Path:** Obtain a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
- **Why:** Work directly with individuals and communities to provide support and resources.
### Steps to Transition
1. **Self-Assessment:**
- Assess your interests, strengths, and values to determine which career paths align with your personal and professional goals.
2. **Research:**
- Research the educational requirements, job outlook, and potential salaries for careers that interest you.
3. **Further Education:**
- Enroll in necessary courses, certifications, or degree programs. Many institutions offer flexible or online options for working adults.
4. **Networking:**
- Connect with professionals in your desired field through networking events, LinkedIn, or professional organizations.
5. **Experience:**
- Gain relevant experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time positions to build your resume in the new field.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1914
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sylvia !
Congratulations on making the plans to be a return student after a career in teaching ! That is wonderful and I hope that I may provide you with some advice to think about.
It sounds as though you may do well with obtaining a Masters Degree in some sort of counseling subject, such as academic or career counseling. I would advise always renewing your teaching credential and keeping it active as long as you can. As you are way upstate in Erie County, I think that the one college that offers a Masters in Academic or Career Counseling that would be closest to you would be SUNY Oswego which offers a Masters in Education in Counseling with concentrations in School counseling and Mental Health Counseling. The other colleges for the Masters Degree are in NYC and New Paltz, NY, very far from where you live. I hesitate greatly to suggest that you go for a second Bachelors Degree or an Associates Degree because you have already obtained a good degree, credential and have had a successful career. As a former teacher you can contact your Board of Education and inquire about the qualifications for being a Guidance Counselor for the school district. It may be that you may just need to obtain a certification as you already have the education.
All is not lost. You can very well do a Masters Degree Program online. St. Bonaventure University online offers a Masters Program in Mental Health and School Counseling. I have left the link to their website for you below. You wouldn't have to worry about commuting or having to go through another Bachelor's Degree and after all, you may have an "in" at the school district with your history of being a teacher. You already have the experience and are familiar with the system.
Read some employment notices for the positions you'd like to have and notice their education requirements. Many require a Masters in Social Work, so that's another Masters program you can consider. Go to Linked In and Indeed and read up about the positions that are available and degrees in what majors they are requiring. Also consider if you want to re-enter the career in the high schools or the colleges. This can very well help you in determining what to obtain your Masters Degree in.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best moving forward !
SAINT BONAVENTURE UNIVERSITY ONLINE https://online.sbu.edu/programs/master/msed/school-counseling
THE DEPEW UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT https://www.depewschools.org/
Congratulations on making the plans to be a return student after a career in teaching ! That is wonderful and I hope that I may provide you with some advice to think about.
It sounds as though you may do well with obtaining a Masters Degree in some sort of counseling subject, such as academic or career counseling. I would advise always renewing your teaching credential and keeping it active as long as you can. As you are way upstate in Erie County, I think that the one college that offers a Masters in Academic or Career Counseling that would be closest to you would be SUNY Oswego which offers a Masters in Education in Counseling with concentrations in School counseling and Mental Health Counseling. The other colleges for the Masters Degree are in NYC and New Paltz, NY, very far from where you live. I hesitate greatly to suggest that you go for a second Bachelors Degree or an Associates Degree because you have already obtained a good degree, credential and have had a successful career. As a former teacher you can contact your Board of Education and inquire about the qualifications for being a Guidance Counselor for the school district. It may be that you may just need to obtain a certification as you already have the education.
All is not lost. You can very well do a Masters Degree Program online. St. Bonaventure University online offers a Masters Program in Mental Health and School Counseling. I have left the link to their website for you below. You wouldn't have to worry about commuting or having to go through another Bachelor's Degree and after all, you may have an "in" at the school district with your history of being a teacher. You already have the experience and are familiar with the system.
Read some employment notices for the positions you'd like to have and notice their education requirements. Many require a Masters in Social Work, so that's another Masters program you can consider. Go to Linked In and Indeed and read up about the positions that are available and degrees in what majors they are requiring. Also consider if you want to re-enter the career in the high schools or the colleges. This can very well help you in determining what to obtain your Masters Degree in.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best moving forward !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Karissa Helton
Teacher
205
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
I'm a former high school Social Studies teacher and am in the same boat as you. Returning to school is not an option. School is expensive and employers discriminate against hiring older applicants. My suggestions are working as a tour guide, a Boys and Girls club counselor, substitute teacher, staff member at a science museum or a tutor at a center like Huntingtons. If you want to do something besides working with students I suggest working at as a Barista. Since you taught high school you are accustomed to waking up early and dealing with the public. Not knowing how many tips you make everyday can keep life exciting.
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