It's been 5-1/2 years since I retired. During this time I have focused primarily on substitute teaching at both the middle and high school levels, and volunteer math tutoring at the elementary school level. I have absolutely enjoyed these activities as they have allowed me to continue working with young people...a passion that convinced me to pursue a teaching license back in 1997.
I had lunch several weeks ago with a former teaching colleague of mine who was facing retirement and now wanted to consider taking the substitute teaching route. Our discussion led me to discover that I now wanted to take a different path in my life for the next several years. Substitute teaching was becoming less rewarding to me. Rarely was I allowed to actually teach in the classroom; I was nothing more than a room monitor making sure students did worksheets and did not kill each other in the process. I don't necessarily blame the teachers who hired me. It's just a reality of substitute teaching.
I have always enjoyed volunteer work. Was there a volunteer opportunity in the Twin Cities on Fridays, accessible by public transportation, that would allow me to fall back on the business skills I practiced for 25 years and taught in the high school for 13 years? I believe they exist. It's now incumbent on me to seek them out (just like looking for a job once again). On the recommendation of my wife, my first stop has been the MN Council for Non-Profits web site where I can peruse volunteer, part-time, jobs and internships.
This is where I am at the moment. More news to come as I take this new path in my life.
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