Any Former Teachers Here?

[jasper12]

Interesting. As a former SPED teacher I had several job offers....making good money. One, as a sales Rep/ instructor for adaptive computer equipment and software. Another job, I turned down was director of educational programming for a private prison corporation. Another was credentialing and verification of degrees and organizing staff education at a major hospital.

I do work in healthcare...and am very happy. And making 1/3 more than I was teaching....and I was at the top of the pay scale with a 212 day contract.

[GayleTX]

LyndaMusic.......you can draw social security even tho you were a teacher? Not so in Texas. We are not allowed to pay in to SS, just retirement fund (annuity), and can't draw SS.
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To the OP:

I was at various times an English teacher, a guidance counselor, career counselor, SPED counselor over a period of 27 years. One thing I did part-time over those years was work as a self-employed private investigator for local lawyers/judges/court systems - mostly for child custody, foster parent eligibility, adoption, etc, and Child Protective Services. It was a nice blend of all my previous education, work background and skills. I also served as an 'expert witness' for a number of trials. When I retired I became licensed as a 'real' private investigator and continued that line of work. I can set my own hours, choose which cases to take, and use all my expenses as tax write-offs.

[jeffpv]

If you have the possibility of living abroad (meaning if you're willing to do so and your family situation allows), I highly recommend your looking into International Schools.
If you can find a position at one of these schools, you will be in a good position. They are highly paid teaching jobs, where you make American salaries while living in a cheaper country. In addition, many schools will pay for your housing, travel/visas, and so forth. The students tend to be quite ambitious (which of course can have two sides), the schools tend to have quite a lot of money for materials and amenities, and they value teachers who have high qualifications and experience.
For those with children, International Schools usually allow employees' children to study for free or at a greatly reduced rate. These schools have a high level of education, so children will be well-prepared after graduation. Moreover, children can make great contacts while at school.
Many of these schools are IB-based, but if you have an American teaching license then you have an excellent chance of getting hired.
I guess the main downfall of working at one of these schools would be that you would live abroad. However, you can always travel back to visit, and I'm sure many people would love the experience in living in a unique country.
Here are a couple of web sites. For those licensed American teachers who are unemployed or looking for a change, at least give it a look:
https://www.iss.edu/education-career...s-job-openings

Teach Abroad | International Teaching | The International Educator (TIE Online)

Teach Abroad with International Schools