Wisconsin school districts and non-citizens (college, live, licensed)

[Yvanung]

Due to a miserable physics PhD experience, I am considering dropping out of the program. However I am not chalking up my issues with any lack of ability on my part, or otherwise blaming the department/program, it's strictly a mental health issue. Nevertheless since Wisconsin is one of those states with teacher shortages that extend well into physical sciences, I thought that it could be a backup plan, insensible perhaps but a backup plan nonetheless.

Here are the most important facts of my case:

1: My teaching experience is limited to 3 semesters of college-level TA (only 1 of which had actual student contact beyond office hours)

2: I did undergrad with a physics and mathematics dual-major (and holds a masters in physics)

3: I would require a H1B or TN visa to work anywhere in the US at this point without F1 status

4: I always pictured teaching K-12 as driving teachers crazy but in a different way from a grad student

Again, maybe this plan is sensible, maybe not.

[AminWi]

To teach in any public school in Wisconsin and most private schools, you would need a teaching degree on top of your other degrees and would need to become a licensed teacher in Wisconsin. Most of the people I know who have taken this route have entered directly into a masters program for teaching, rather than another BA.

I'm not sure how willing districts are to deal with visa/immigration issues. I do know that most districts in the state are running deficits and are doing anything they can to cut costs, including encouraging more experienced (expensive) teachers to quit in favor of cheap recent grads. I think most teachers in Wisconsin will tell you that it isn't a great time to be in the field.

[zoomkay]

I think Texas will be your best bet. When I lived there for a short while, it appeared that the school districts did an okay job of recruiting teachers under the H1B program. Also, if you ever desire to pick up on your PhD again, Texas is a great place to be.

Texas Teachers | Resources - Non U.S. Candidates

Texas Teachers | Resources - Sponsors for H1-B Visa

[Yvanung]

If Texas was my best American bet for that particular backup plan, then how high is the demand for physical science teachers there?

The only reason Wisconsin came up in the first place is that I wasn't confident in Minnesota accommodating that sort of requests or even having a shortage.

[zoomkay]

Originally Posted by Yvanung

If Texas was my best American bet for that particular backup plan, then how high is the demand for physical science teachers there?

The only reason Wisconsin came up in the first place is that I wasn't confident in Minnesota accommodating that sort of requests or even having a shortage.

You would have to check with each of the districts that are accepting H1B candidates for teaching. I don't thing Wisconsin will be accommodating either until you obtain the required degree and licensing. You should contact the Department of Public Instruction.

Contact Us | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

http://tepdl.dpi.wi.gov/licensing/pathways-to-licensure