Where are the middle school math jobs???
My husband has a Ph.D. but realized all along that he really wants to be a middle school math teacher. He has 6 years of elem. ed and a whole lot of higher education, but scored a perfect 100% on his state math education test. Where are middle school math teachers needed so badly that a school district will not mind having a Ph.D. in the classroom? Sources for finding jobs? Especially in the Illinois/Iowa/Wisconsin/Missouri areas - but anywhere is good. Ideas on this?
He's also interested in teaching Adult Remedial Math/Basics, etc. in an adult education setting. He's not really interested in being a university professor, but a college teacher does appeal to him. He's been teaching as a volunteer and for a substitute. Kids tell him all the time how great he is. I think this is why he wants to teach math fulltime.
Your husband sounds like a very smart man who has found his calling. Unfortunately the Ph.D can be a hindrance in a public setting as his salary base will be much higher than someone right out of a masters or undergrad (that meets NCLB requirements). I have seen this effect hiring practices particularly in fiscally tight times, such as we are in now.
With that being said, give consideration to a private school setting. His doctorate is a marketable commodity in the right situation. Private schools would love to tout his academic excellence.
I can speak to the situation in Tennessee currently. Governor Phil Bredesen (TN) just announced thousands of layoffs across the state and recension of previously committed funds (BEP monies) to local school districts. Financial belts are being squeezed. The state is hoping to address the windfalls through attrition and buy-out packages. It's just a bad time now to get a job in the state.
With his credentials your husband might give serious consideration to teaching at the college level. He sounds awesome and students who may struggling with math could appreciate his skill and ability to communicate lessons.
Good luck to the both of you.
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