Dear Aging Also,

I regret that I was on the road for a while (I am also a musician) and missed the initial entry of your response to my original post on the subject of aging.

Now, now, Aging Also, to infer that the older teacher drones on and takes an arrogant stance may apply to some, but, in the case of us oldsters, you fail to recognize the added extent of our experience lays the groundwork for, if not justifies, valuable innovations that would hardly be present in the younger teacher possessing only a degree and ability to strictly follow a set curriculum. In this instance, such amateurs usually have naught but to rely upon their individual personalities to spell the broad difference between an interesting or boring lesson technique. Don't get me wrong, man. I certainly believe that personality figures into the ultimate success of any instructor. It's just that without some kind of experience to back same ... well, I'm certain you can see what I mean. And, when the time comes to more carefully examine those degrees and licenses obtained from that notorious School of Hard Knocks, very few employers are going to sit there doubting the overall qualifications of any of us old farts unless, of course, a question age prejudice enters into the picture.

I agree that the question of attitude plays an important rle in the continued success of the older player, but come on, man, give me a break already ... were I to approach a prospective employer, I would certainly expect him to consider, first and foremost, my 20+ years in the ESL game to furnish proof enough of my mastery of classroom management. Quite to the contrary, he must control his emotions (and bias) and admit to himself that he must have senior players on his team ... if only to assure the younger folks that there is someone for them to emulate and from whom (God willing) to eventually gain a measure of inspiration.

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To: Bob the Middle-Aged Lonere A "Yes Man" I have never been ... that I assure you, my friend! Notwithstanding, I very much appreciate your observations and look forward to future commentary from your quarter. By the way, "Happy Birthday," Partner.

The Arrogant One

Getting older is not the most fun thing in the world, but the nice thing about aging is that things make a lot more sense to you than they did when you were young.

That said; I think the problem with a lot of older teachers can be a tendency to drone on, to tell anecdotes, to be arrogant...

All of which flies in the face of effective, accepted ESL teaching methods;

The less you drone on in class, the better your students will like you. Effective parwork use both saves wear and tear on the old voicebox, and spares students from a lot of boredom; it also keeps them focused on the tasks at hand, which are punctuated and affirmed by a teachers sparely chosen, well inserted comments and advice.

You've got to convince a prospective employer that he'll get good student feedback. Which an old guy can do, if he's a master of classroom management and can produce results.

Attitude is everything when it comes to aging.

Gentlemen ... I do thank you for your timely communiqus.

DR. ZACK -- Please know that I have long been a fan of your column, while I am certain that you have made a marked difference in the direction of some of your younger and less experienced readership.
On the other hand, let me assure that, at age 68, I've been around the block at least a few times. Yes, I've already engaged in the rles of course developer & administrator (Japan-1991-93), ESL consultant (USA-2000) ... even as a university instructor (Brazil & Israel - 1969-71).

With such a sterling rsum at hand, one might think that, at this late date, I am both rich and contented. Regrettably, I must report that I am neither.

MR. CALLAHAN -- As nothing is perfect, I agree that we seniors are forced to tolerate our fair share of the more disagreeable aspects of life. However, I find that mere memories of those "better times" are not enough to sustain this senior during his aging procedure! Granted, people like me may tend to whine a bit more than is reasonable. And, for the sake of survival, I agree that trudging on is essential, b-u-t with the exception of maintaining an objective, hopes, and aspirations ... just like young folks. ( no malice intended on my part, sir)

Excuse me, gentlemen (and other ESL brethren), but getting older in the ESL biz does NOT have to represent one's willingly falling into the usual pattern of rejection ... especially when he/she has retained a lifetime of knowledge and expertise complemented by a reasonable degree of sanity! That's my argument. So, what will it take to change the f#@!*&g attitudes of most of those in charge of the system ... political influence, bribery, or threat of violence? The thing that bothers me the most is the national attitude towards old geezers like me--that, by this time, I should have been long retired! I also get a kick out of their looks when I tell them I'm still quite active within the job marketplace...moreover, that such desire is the direct result of a long-inexplicable love affair with the teaching of ESL.

Aye, everyone ... This Barkus is (still) willin'!

I remain,

THE ARROGANT ONE

Dear Arrogant One:

I understand your frustrations, and sympathize with your feelings regarding the age bias issue in ESL Schools. Yes, ESL schools tend to not want to hire older teachers. However, I urge you to consider the talents you have from your educational background as well as experience and look at using those within other avenues in the ESL Field such as being a content course developer, Administrator, ESL Consultant or even teaching at a University where your age, and experience would be held in higher regard.