At the end of each school year, thousands of science teachers pack up their classrooms and labs and retire from lifelong careers. While they take with them a wealth of wisdom and experience accumulated over numerous years, we know many will continue to use their skills and knowledge in important undertakings as volunteers and in paying jobs. Today retirees are “younger” physically than teachers who were the same age in 1935, when Social Security was enacted and the retirement age set at 65. Indeed, thanks to medical science, we are able to enjoy longer, healthier, and more active years than did previous generations. Some of us call these the bonus years, made up of “retirements that didn’t take.”

We join many others who see no reason to stop working. In a recent survey by AARP, 70% of 1,500 employed Americans ages 50–70 reported they plan to work well past the traditional retirement age. In fact, many plan to work into their 70s, 80s, or as long as they are able. Recently, members of the NSTA Retired e-mail list were asked, “How are you currently using the skills and knowledge gained as a career educator now that you’ve entered your post-retirement period?” Some are working part-time or full-time in schools, and many are volunteering for worthy causes. Others are creating exciting opportunities for themselves in education, and many have started new careers in other fields. Most are moving full steam ahead, tackling satisfying, productive activities. So calling us “retirees” seems to be a misnomer.

Most of us couldn’t envision ourselves staying in the jobs we had. Unfortunately, neither can scores of rookie teachers. The New York Times reported in April one in three new teachers are leaving the field in their first five years of service. With the exodus at both ends of the career spectrum, it is heartening to learn many experienced science teachers continue to contribute to the profession. Although we have several reasons to remain in the workforce, we find it satisfying to stay connected in our field of expertise and are pleased when our skills are still valued.

One NSTA retired member says, “My wife and I have both retired, and there has not been a day where we have not been busy, occupied, and productive—albeit in a far different way than years ago.” Therein lies the beauty of this stage of life. When asked how long they intend to work during these bonus years, several educators have responded, “As long as it continues to be fun.” For those of you just retired: Let the fun begin!

Stay Connected

We need your input on the NSTA Retired e-mail list and the Emeritus Science Teachers group in the NSTA Communities website. Marily DeWall, chair of the NSTA Retired Members Advisory Board, will pose questions, and the resulting discussion will help feed this column.

To sign up for the list, go to www.nsta.org, select the “member services” tab, and select “update your contact info.” Then log on with your member ID number and last name—or your username and password, if you’ve logged on in the past—and click “submit.” (Your ID number is on the mailing label of the journal you receive.)

On the next screen, you’ll see your profile. If you scroll down to the bottom of the screen, you’ll see the names of the various lists. Check the box for the Retired list.

To join the Emeritus Science Teachers group, go to www.nsta.org/communities and log on using your username and password. The profile you create will help you connect to a network of colleagues with similar interests and challenges. Be sure to join the Emeritus Science Teachers while you’re there.

References

Dillon, S. New York Times. 2009. Report Envisions Shortage of Teachers as Retirements Escalate. April 7.
www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/education/07teacher.html

AARP Press Center. 2008. AARP Survey: 70 Percent of Older Workers Plan To Work Into Retirement Years. October 20. www.aarp.org/aarp/presscenter/pressrelease/articles/Work_And_Career_Study.html