A lot of education reformers seem to think that a young teacher is better than an older one. But as this quotation reminds us, an older teacher is a more experienced teacher and has lots to offer more novice colleagues.
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| Age has its benefits! source: Graphicstock |
So to all those people who prefer to hire young teachers because they think those educators will cost less, will have more energy, will have more knowledge of cutting-edge technology, and can better relate to students because they are closer in age to them, I say this: Teachers who are older are worth it! We have the experience to know how to deal with challenging students, we know how to change lessons around on the fly when technology doesn’t work–which happens all too often, we know how to teach students at varying levels of ability, and we have the wisdom that comes with age to know that what’s old will be new again. And then teachers who are experienced educators will be valued once more.
I thank all the teachers who helped me when I first started teaching in a public school. Their knowledge, friendship, and know-how made my job much, much easier.
