How One Retired Social Worker Found Her Second Career
September 10, 2025 | TeacherReady
After nearly three decades of service in child welfare, retirement seemed like the natural next step. But for one Illinois retiree, stepping away from full-time work didn’t mean slowing down—it meant discovering a new calling, and UWF TeacherReady was there to help.
“I was a social worker with DCFS for 29 years for the State of Illinois,” Robyn said. “The last several years of my career were spent in administrative roles, including licensing and contracts. I officially retired in May 2023.” Retirement brought her freedom and flexibility, but it also came with unexpected quiet. “I was busy for a while—my daughter got married, I took on a short-term contract with the state and even joined a few women’s clubs,” she said. “But after a few months, I was bored and lonely.” With her children living across the country and friends still working, her days became slower than she liked.
A chance conversation between her daughter and a former teacher opened the door to something she hadn’t considered—becoming a substitute teacher. “I’ve always loved school. I come from a long line of educators. Teaching had been an interest of mine since I was a kid playing ‘school’ at home,” she said. “I looked into it, and the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.”
She quickly realized that while she brought strong interpersonal and behavioral skills from her social work background, there were gaps in her teaching-specific knowledge. That’s when she enrolled in the UWF TeacherReady program. Through the streamlined online curriculum and support from the TeacherReady team, Robyn explained that, “TeacherReady is helping me understand how to actually teach, not just manage a classroom.”
Soon after, she became a substitute teacher in her local school district and now finds fulfillment in sharing her love of learning with her students. “I especially enjoy working with kindergarten and first grade. I’m teaching in the same neighborhoods I once served as a social worker.”
Her second career is more than a job, it’s a continuation of her lifelong commitment to helping others. For retirees wondering what’s next, a career in education can be the answer. With flexible online coursework that leads to certification, you can start your next chapter from anywhere in the nation. Contact our advisors to learn more and get started!
