I really want to move into teaching. I learned to love programming in HS AP CS and am really considering making the move. I would love to hear more about your experience switching.
I was a teacher for ten years before taking a position at a small tech consultancy. I also encourage you to jump into the substitute pool; however, please understand that as a regular classroom teacher you will have many more tools to manage a high functioning classroom (not least, a regular classroom teacher has established relationships with their students). Substitute teaching is teaching, but there's a reason expectations for what's accomplished during that day are typically quite low. This all will change classroom to classroom, school to school - of course.
Definitely but it's good for anyone thinking about a career change to get a taste for the rougher aspects of teaching to ensure that they don't have unrealistic expectations about the career
I think there are many teachers who would love to have an experienced individual come in and guest-speak about one topic or another, if that's something of interest to people.
I have a number of family members who teach (or have taught) all ages and I feel it's one of the most important, difficult, and undervalued occupations out there.
I spent the last 3 years teaching at a software bootcamp, after being a SWE for 8yrs. It's been super rewarding - you're working with adults who are often in a hard spot financially and personally, and you get to help coach them through a major challenge, and see the positive outcomes for them.
The pay will likely be much higher than teaching elsewhere (though I still took a 30k cut). Some bootcamps are more legit than others, so just do your research first
Depending on the district you end up in, it's not for the feint of heart.