I have a spotty job history that includes communications problem (me quitting), fired and rehired by another former employer, bad culture match, and left my career for caregiving.

Anonymous

March 5,2024 at 2:15PM UTC

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I have a spotty job history that includes communications problem (me quitting), fired and rehired by another former employer, bad culture match, and left my career for caregiving. However, my work performance were excellent. I've been in my current paraprofessional job for four years and it's relatively easy work. My talent is in special education, but at 56, I'm not sure if getting an endorsement for that will be beneficial because of ageism. Any thoughts?

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AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 2:35PM UTC
If you have a strong work performance, then I wouldn't worry too much about the spotty job history. Being paraprofessional is an incredible job -- thank you for all that you do!
Leaving the workforce for a bit to focus on caregiving a loved one is all you need share, if a recruiter asks. However, this is a common reason people take work sabbaticals and that's okay!
Just focus on your strengths and speak to your passion for special education -- that's it. We can't control how folks (unfortunately) use ageism within hiring (I hate this and it's so illegal). IF that happens, just see it as a red flag that something off with their hiring practices + work culture.
Good luck to you!!
Diane Frances Lesley-NeumanMarch 5,2024 at 2:41PM UTC
Get the endorsement and get paid!
AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 2:59PM UTC
As a mother who raised a child with severe learning disabilities who was able to graduate from college (the last two years without IEP accommodations) with honors, I applaud everything a talented special education teacher can do, only because the school system embraced the need for children with special needs. The schools and society need more people like you. The schools are in such need of talented special ed professionals that the certification will automatically move you to the top of the candidate pool, regardless of age.
AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 3:11PM UTC
I feel like the answer to this is math equation. As in, how much will it cost you to get the endorsement? How much more will you make after obtaining that endorsement? How many more years are you planning to work?
Ann BraunMarch 5,2024 at 5:15PM UTC
Depending on where you live, special education teachers and assistants are in extremely high demand, so I would not worry about ageism. If a school district needs special ed teachers, they are going to see your credentials before your age. If that's what you want to do, GO FOR IT!!!!
Anne KrookMarch 5,2024 at 5:32PM UTC
I am a substitute teacher in elementary and middle schools in a district in Washington state, and there is a crying need for subs, long-term subs, paraeducators, and teachers in special ed. If you can get a credential in a cost-effective way, you can likely get a job.