* Retirement age: Teachers, like other professions, are subject to retirement ages and associated pension benefits. Someone approaching or at retirement age might not be as desirable a long-term hire.
* Experience requirements: While experience isn't necessarily tied to age, having many years of unrelated experience might make it harder for an older applicant to demonstrate the necessary skills and qualifications. Teaching often prefers candidates with recent experience or relevant postgraduate qualifications.
* Physical demands: The job can be physically demanding, particularly for elementary school teachers. Older individuals might face challenges in meeting those physical requirements, although this varies greatly depending on the individual's health and fitness.
* Perceptions and biases: Unfortunately, ageism exists in many professions, and teaching is no exception. While illegal to discriminate based solely on age, unconscious biases might affect hiring decisions.
In short, while there's no official age limit, several practical and potentially discriminatory factors can make it more difficult for older individuals to become teachers. Each hiring situation is unique, depending on the school, district, and specific job requirements.