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

2024-09-19T15:34:06-04:00

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

2024-09-19T18:52:25-04:00

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

2024-09-19T18:59:08-04:00

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.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Sep 20 at 2024 8:26 AM

2024-09-20T08:26:25-04:00

https://tapevents.mil/ttt/

This is an older program which has become mostly defunded but still contains some links and references to other programs. It may be a great place to start.

I was planning on teaching. I had my non-teaching Bachelor's and was headed for a Master's in Adult Education (was a shorter / quicker path to teaching for me when I got out due to all of the non-teaching path credits I had from my Joint Service Transcript) when my education path was derailed by a bullet. It is still the dream but right now paying bills is taking priority over going to school.

Troops to Teachers

The Troops to Teachers (TTT) program helps service members and veterans become certified and employed as teachers in K-12 schools.

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Sep 20 at 2024 8:41 AM

2024-09-20T08:41:36-04:00

Private RallyPoint Member I graduated college, the first time, and was not able to find a teaching job in the area of the country I wanted to be. I ended up hanging Sheetrock, then driving trucks, eventually getting an LPN degree from a community college. Eventually I went back to college for a BSN degree. From there the Air Force, more school for nurse anesthesia, and a masters in Public Administration. On retirement from the military I continue anesthesia in the civilian world.
Eventually got a masters in nursing education and started teaching classes online for a few years before I retired from anesthesia. When I retired, I was hired by the university I was teaching online for. I enjoyed teaching full time until I retired for good.
Teaching isn’t for everyone, but I found it very rewarding.

Response by SPC Michael Terrell made Sep 20 at 2024 8:55 PM

2024-09-20T20:55:05-04:00

I started while in high school. I taught first year Electronics since I was already working in that field after school and on Saturdays. I was 100% disabled before I retired.

Response by COL David Turk made Sep 20 at 2024 11:27 PM

2024-09-20T23:27:01-04:00

A consideration if you decide to teach and you end working in a school district that does not withhold SSAN (like California). If you qualify for a retirement from that district, you, and/or your spouse may be impacted by Social Security offsets. It behooves you to checkout the two offsets in social security payments.

Response by SGT Carl Blas made Sep 22 at 2024 5:08 PM

2024-09-22T17:08:47-04:00

Good luck in your endeavor, I kept an open mind before teaching anything, most of the subjects I taught were just, my profecting the experence, and able to teach it to others.
No formal educating, but educated in the skill field, an intrest I kept and worked at in years. Not looking to teach, but it just happened and a satisfying experence to teach others a trade skill.
I like it when someone has a direction, and follow through to get what they wanted to accomplish. And, I adore those that had no real direction, and made a career out of something they enjoy, and helping others in their path in life.
What ever the choice, its a stepping stone in your travels, enjoy.

Response by MSgt Thomas OBrien made Sep 26 at 2024 8:36 AM

2024-09-26T08:36:52-04:00

While active duty I became a Master Instructor in the USAF after having been selected as a technical training Instructor. Many people had negative things to say about becoming an instructor, but it has served me well throughout my life.
Upon retirement I was immediately hired to teach at an adult vocational education College. Over the following 25 years I taught for three different colleges. It has had its ups and downs, but a very rewarding experience overall.
Additionally, I became a published author in my field many times over. Skills I was taught and were developed while in the AF aided me as a writer.
I hope this is helpful to you. Good luck and God bless you.
Thomas O’Brien MSgt USAF ret. IDMT, AAS, CCT, CRAT, RMA, CCMA, CPT

Response by Cpl Clay Hildebrand made Sep 26 at 2024 9:43 AM

2024-09-26T09:43:36-04:00

I had an AA degree when I enlisted in the Marine Corps ('91-'95) and finished my BA in education in '97. Been teaching ever since in both FL and GA, 5th, 6th, and 8th grade, mostly in math.
Job has changed a lot in regard to student and parent responsibilities and accountability. I can't imagine a career for me that didn't offer higher highs while contradicting it with lower lows. Both glorious and awful, so I would definitely sub, volunteer, and talk to teachers you trust. Also, every school system is different as is every campus. Then you have K-12th grade, varying curriculums (kids often want to do certain subjects more than others), SpEd/gifted/on-level, and leadership (principals can change the school's environment more than you might think).
Some settings will fit one person better than another so check into a variety of places. Also, the teacher shortage and lowering numbers of graduates entering the field means you will find work. Question is: why are people not entering/leaving the profession?

Response by PO3 Lewis Kauffman made Sep 26 at 2024 11:20 AM

2024-09-26T11:20:22-04:00

I started college in September 1966, to become a surveyor but the atmosphere towards Vietnam Vets was more than I could take and quit after the first semester. Went to work at the local Army Depot for three years using the skills I learned from the Navy electronics. A teaching position became available at the newly opened Vocational School for an Electronics Instructor. Started there in 1970 and retired in 2003 got bored and went back to the same school as a substitute until 2020. Navy training and the GI Bill helped me get and keep the job.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Sep 27 at 2024 8:12 AM

2024-09-27T08:12:54-04:00

I became a school counselor after retirement and I loved it. My husband retired from the AF as well and taught 4th grade. He loved it and the kids loved him. We need more good male role models in the elementary and middle schools. The majority of men seem to be in PE in elementary school and math/science in middle school. Kids have to see men doing everything!

Response by PFC Allison Pope made Oct 4 at 2024 5:11 AM

2024-10-04T05:11:42-04:00

You might want to start as a substitute teacher at all levels to see if that is something you really want to do.

Response by TSgt Ken Vandevoort made Oct 15 at 2024 5:36 PM

2024-10-15T17:36:28-04:00

I did a different type of teaching. For several years, I was a museum volunteer teacher in a one room log cabin school. I took the kids back to 1840 when we were a territory and not a state. I always knew what schools and towns they came from and halfway through, I would turn the tables on them and ask them questions about the towns that they came from. It was fun and I could judge the reaction by watching their teachers' faces. My goal was to have them continue the discussion when they returned to their own classrooms.

Response by LTC David Howard made Oct 17 at 2024 5:58 PM

2024-10-17T17:58:41-04:00

For a time while on active duty I thought about teaching after my military career ended. But I found that despite having a Bachelor's and Master's degree, I would have to take almost 2 years worth of "education" courses to qualify to be a teacher in a public school system. Not only could I not afford to go to school full time after military retirement (with 2 kids in college and two more ready to go shortly) but the pay as a new teacher seemed totally inadequate. Instead, I took a one semeter course, while still on active duty, that along with my college degree allowed me to qualify to take the exam for licensure as a Nursing Home Administrator. This led to a rewarding and reasonably paid second career in the nursing home field, with my second retirement after 23 years as a NHA.

Response by CPO Greg Sheremeta made Oct 17 at 2024 5:58 PM

2024-10-17T17:58:47-04:00

I did the contractor thing after retiring from the Navy back in ‘95. After 9/11, I entered Old Dominion University Military Transition Program which led to a Masters in Education, which I used my GI Bill for my classes. Something I did, which recommend is try substitute teaching. I did this to make sure I wanted to teach. I figured if I could survive substitute teaching, I could handle my own classroom and it gave me an idea of with which age group I might enjoy working. I got a provisional license, Which in Virginia allows you to teach before you complete your licensure. I spent 7 years teaching Middle School Social Studies, relocated to another school district and got a position teaching elementary school for the next 13 years. I retired after 20 years of teaching in 2022. I don’t regret a moment of it.

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made Oct 17 at 2024 6:00 PM

2024-10-17T18:00:01-04:00

I'm a little bit different. I was a medic and practical nurse in the Army. After discharged I became an RN. All through a long and successful career in the Army and in civilian life I was always the educator. Now at 73 I'm teaching a medical course to high schoolers. I have always really loved teaching

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Oct 17 at 2024 6:02 PM

2024-10-17T18:02:00-04:00

I got into teaching BEFORE I got into the Army! BS Ed. from the University of Alabama, and then MA from Teachers College - Columbia University. I borrowed my financial future away, and then when the loans started coming due while I was substitute teaching, I joined the Army national Guard in part for the loan repayment. Five years later after all loans plus interest were paid, I decided to stay i and make the Army a second career. OCS followed. I was a Combat Medica and then became a Medical Service officer. The thing is, I chose a path in the Army that would compliment my civilian job. Combat Medic was GREAT for a health and physical education teacher and coach! Medical Service played into my civilian administration and health services job later. The careers were complimentary and parallel. I even used AIT study materials in my health education classes. Most Army material was written on the sixth grade level, simple and straight forward illustrations! Great stuff! I also borrowed from my Drill Sergeant and TAC Officer techniques in teaching and coaching. The goal is always the same: Victory, Excellence!

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Oct 17 at 2024 6:09 PM

2024-10-17T18:09:40-04:00

After retiring from the Army, I taught JROTC at the high school I graduated from in 1974 and yes I was a member of the JROTC program. I taught for 12 years before I had to take a medical retirement because I had cancer. I love teaching the kids about life experiences and the military. Most of them were very receptive to the program but others were there for an easy credit. As Cpl Vic Burke said, Teaching is not for everyone, and try out substituting for a while to see if if is your cup of tea. By the way, I also got involved with the court juvenile justice system and went on to get my Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice.

Response by SSG Joseph Harris, PhD made Oct 17 at 2024 6:13 PM

2024-10-17T18:13:34-04:00

When I got out, I went to a community college, then UC Irvine for my BA/BS, then UC Berkeley for my PhD in Psychology. My first positions were teaching at universities and medical schools in Israel. I really loved that because almost every student had already done their mandatory time on active duty. They were very bright, older and more mature students than in the US.
When I returned to the US at began teaching back at Berkeley, I found it a bit disappointing. Many students lacked enthusiasm. Berkeley focused more on research than teaching quality courses. I felt I came back only to realize that at UC Berkeley- the Emperor had no Clothes.

Unmotivated students and uninspiring fellow professors. I moved on to focus on research and community service positions elsewhere.

Response by Maj David BenJames made Oct 17 at 2024 7:05 PM

2024-10-17T19:05:51-04:00

Left the service after Nam and went back to school. Had a 40 year career with NOAA.
Have PHD in Meteorology and starting teaching at a local university in 2008.
I love it. Did it for 6 years. Had a great time. Would do it again, but the university doesn't want 80 year old teachers teaching 20 year old kids.

Response by SMSgt Drew Riddle made Oct 17 at 2024 8:10 PM

2024-10-17T20:10:50-04:00

Greatest (and easiest) and most rewarding job I ever had. Did 17 years of AFJROTC after retiring from the military and loved it! Would highly recommend to those who have patience, are humble, and want to make a positive impact in the future of our world!

Response by SPC Daniel Rankin made Oct 17 at 2024 9:38 PM

2024-10-17T21:38:18-04:00

Yes, I went to the Wenatchee Valley College and got 4 degrees and then moved back to Kansas where I taught for 7 years in the Junction City School district as a substitute teacher, accumulating over 4 full years of teaching. Kindergarten through 12th grade. Math, history, English and Science.

Response by Maj Joan Marine made Oct 17 at 2024 9:59 PM

2024-10-17T21:59:58-04:00

Substitute teaching is a great idea, gives you a taste of all ages and abilities, and allows you to accertain the ages you don't want to teach. All without the contract!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2024 10:21 PM

2024-10-17T22:21:32-04:00

Depending on paygrade, JROTC could work for you. Those are usually contracted positions, but it's something you're familiar with and can help shape the next generation of servicemembers.

Response by Lt Col Patrick Howard made Oct 18 at 2024 1:14 AM

2024-10-18T01:14:19-04:00

As a retiree after 22 years I asked VBA to help me get my teaching degree. The stupid man said I was too old. I never went back to VBA. My opinion: The VA no longer cares about veterans.

Response by Ray Barraquias made Oct 18 at 2024 3:26 AM

2024-10-18T03:26:39-04:00

Our experience after in service during WWII especially Filipinos veterans we served never deserve from VA due to always denied our claim after retirement on Military not to deserve from VA we only received Full of denied where is justice for Filipinos wwII?

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Oct 18 at 2024 6:34 AM

2024-10-18T06:34:49-04:00

I did and it was a long haul. Since I had obligations, it took me about 8 years to get my Bachelor's Degree. However, I graduated with three - Education, Social Studies and History. I taught for about 20 years in various positions. I am retired now and look back on those years and hope that many of my students went on to fulfilled careers.

Response by SN Paul Hendee made Oct 18 at 2024 7:51 AM

2024-10-18T07:51:00-04:00

After my Honorable Discharge in 1970 I was lost. Yes, I married my childhood sweetheart. She encouraged me to go to college. I did and graduated with a BA. Still lost and the country in economic turmoil I just didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. One day in 1983 my brother in law, a chem engineer, showed me this thing called an Apple computer. I kinda slid into this thing then learning everything about it I suddenly found people calling me a Guru (I hated the term). Companies started to recruit me. I ended up running a national academy for Electronic Publishing. All that was great. But, the key take away was I left my time in Vietnam behind. I had no room for it.

Response by SSG Tim Newell, PhD made Oct 18 at 2024 8:08 AM

2024-10-18T08:08:41-04:00

I taught undergrad courses for a few years at an un-named "for profit" university using my Master's degree. I stopped teaching there after a student plagiarized an entire paper except for his name. The school's policy was that plagerization would cause expulsition. However, the Dean instructed me to give him a zero and he would have to repeat the class. Now, I made the assumption it was based on money, but the bottom line is that if you have a policy, you abide by the policy. Either way, I decided I didn't need th grief or stress. On the other hand, I've been a government contractor for over 18 years!

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Oct 18 at 2024 1:26 PM

2024-10-18T13:26:15-04:00

Yes, I became a teacjer. taught for 32 years, loved it, but enjoy retirement. Semper Fi

Response by SP5 Skip Saurman made Oct 18 at 2024 1:38 PM

2024-10-18T13:38:48-04:00

Taught Automotive Technology for over 10 years to high school and postseconday students a few years after ETS. Like most others have said, I absolutely loved it. IMHO there is no better way to make a difference in this crazy world we live in!

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Oct 21 at 2024 7:20 PM

2024-10-21T19:20:01-04:00

Yes, loved teaching. Semper Fi

Response by MAJ Dennis Foote made Oct 21 at 2024 10:56 PM

2024-10-21T22:56:55-04:00

I am retired army major. I also worked in a military facility after retiring. After a few years of that I applied to the public school department of education as a substitute teacher. I have been doing it almost 11 years and I love it. The diversity of age groups, the ability to go to different schools and the freedom to pick and choose the days I want to work are my reasons for staying. I found out early which subjects and some school to avoid. Here in Hawaii we don't need education degree as long as we have a bachelor's degree. I don't need to be proficient in any particular subject because the teacher usually gives detailed lesson plans. I can also, even without a degree get hired as an emergency hire and receive the same pay as licensed teachers.. I choose to stay with subbing because it is less work. Anyway, I love the job and it may be a good way for you to test the waters. DJF

Response by LTC John Herring made Oct 29 at 2024 8:18 AM

2024-10-29T08:18:21-04:00

Yes, after retiring I went back to get a masters in education so I could teach math in Fairfax County schools. I had taught math for two years in the US Military Academy Prep School while it was at Ft. Belvoir and fell in love with teaching. I lasted for almost ten years teaching 8th graders in a public school until I just could not put up with them any more. I wish I'd gone to a parochial school where discipline matters!

Response by SP5 Delphis Kaczowski made Jan 26 at 2025 10:41 PM

2025-01-26T22:41:32-05:00

I got an MEd from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio after my Army 3 years in the Medical Field and was disappointed in the ROI (Return On Investment) because I had to go back into civilian hospitals to make ends meet. Public schools are a bag of worms if your the Bread Winner in the family. The Politics in education are so discouraging.
I then went to National University in San Diego, California and earned an MBA which saved me financially. My salary at the first bank tripled all previous incomes. Remember that the financial industry is NOT a fun place to work because you have to produce profits no matter what the conditions are in the economy. This program was worth it's weight in gold because I also got a Real Estate Brokers license, a Real Estate Appraisers license, a Notary Public license, etc.