Thank you for your kind words, but teaching was my life and when I had to retire, I lost part of my soul. I still mourn every day that I could not continue, as I had planned to die teaching. The Good Lord had other plans. I have hours beyond my Master's degree to a doctorate, but that, too, could not be completed. I still have a valid teaching certificate, and if there were a miracle, I would walk back into the classroom Monday. I was fortunate to teach in a time when teaching meant an educated person providing knowledge to students. Today, it's mostly fun and games. That makes me very sad.

I attended an excellent private university and received my AB degree in English with minors in sociology and education. There were no diplomas for general education, where a teacher could teach any subject; those exist today and have watered down the strict requirements for learning. My Master's degree is also in English with an emphasis on composition and British Lit. The hours beyond my Master's are also in English with composition and British Lit. My students were seniors in high school and freshmen in college. I taught Advanced Placement English Lit. and Comp. and Advanced Placement English Language and Comp. for my high school students and taught composition for college students. I taught in an exclusive private school. I loved teaching and I miss it every day.

retiredteacher

My daughter-in-law was a HS English teacher, but has become her school's technology expert and she enjoys that as well. I have an MBA and I just loved the learning. I think at age 60, I can audit any class at a state supported institution and if I am able, I plan to become an annoyance to some professor. Were you forced from the classroom because of age maximums or for some other reason? Do you live in an area where there are charter schools of value where your obvious talent and desire would be appreciated?

I was not forced (?) from the classroom; I believe age discrimination is against the law everywhere. I had some personal family matters that caused me to have to make a choice. I am not interested in returning; it would only make things worse.

retiredteacher

@retiredteacher I hear you loud and clear about your attachment to teaching. I was in pastoral ministry for about 50 years, and during several years I was substitute teacher. It is the same in many ways. I began to lose it by dementia, and still miss it terribly. It "was my soul!" as you say, but many pastors today have no more attachment today to God's ministry than they would to selling a used Chevvy. That, too, is very sad.

@gman007 T'would be nice to be physically able to audit classes, volunteer or anything. I am thankful for the internet and still like learning and doing research for my own pleasure. Still do enjoy the feel of holding a book though. I no longer think about the future any more than necessary. Retirement came early for me and I am not one bit pleased at admitting thus. I know many good teachers that are being replaced due to lack of knowledge with the new ways. I went to college with the intent of becoming a teacher and by the time I was close to graduating I realized I could not teach an entire class no matter the age. Way too passive. Even my adult children know this-now.