After his return to Bahia, Anísio did not succeed in gaining the support of the new Governor Vital Henrique Batista Soares, who had taken office in 1928, for the implementation of his proposals. He resigns from his post as Education Inspector and turns to teaching. He is named professor of Philosophy and History of Education at the Escola Normal de Salvador (Pedagogical Institute of Salvador).

In 1930, he publishes "Vida e Educação" (Life and Education) including two essays by John Dewey, translated by him. This is the first time the writings of this philosopher are translated into Portuguese. Still in 1930, he writes "Por que Escola Nova"? (Why do we need a New School?). In this article, Anísio Teixeira summarizes the importance of his two visits to the United States.