I am thinking about becoming a teacher--looking for opinions

[GreenSalsa]

Hello everyone,

I am doing some "branch and sequel planning".

I am starting to wind down my military career (26 years so far). I am probably going to stay on another 2-3-4 maybe 5 years but I am starting to do some mid range planning. Apparently it is time for me to grow up and get a "real" job.

While I have all sorts of clearances, skills, and qualifications I am considering a radical change of direction with my life and thinking about teaching in high school or maybe lower level college classes.

I am NOT getting into this for the money--I know and understand my salary will be anemic and I know I won't stay long enough to be "vested" in any additional retirement plan.

The military has a program called Troops To Teachers. It is funded to help Veterans make the transition providing low or no cost training.

I have a BS and MS and know I will have to attend some more training to receive a teaching certificate in NC but I wanted to ask some of my "network" of friends what their experiences were.

To all you teachers out there (especially high school or college types) did you find that job really rewarding? What were some of the best parts? Worse parts?

Would I be coming into the "system" too late? ie have you noticed that people who start teaching later in life have more difficulties? What were they? Were there any advantages?

Is there anything I should really think and consider?

Has anyone used the Troops To Teachers program?

Thanks again for your feedback