Thank you for your thoughts, Overhere and Open Communication. Very helpful.
To answer the question about my wife's residency: That is an excellent point and one I still continue to consider. My understanding as of right now is that she could apply for a "re-entry permit" that would allow her to be away for two years. Then, if needed, she could return to the U.S. and apply for another one. Nor guarantees that it would be approved, but my understanding is that many people get such permits several times in a row.

These are the stats I will have when I hit the job market. Please advise whether this is hopeless. I have three kids.

-certification for elementary school
-two years U.S. experience
-non-teaching spouse, native (and citizen) of China
-only want to teach in China. Some flexibility as to provinces/cities.
-twins just about ready for kindergarten, U.S., would need to attend the international school
-11-year-old, citizen of China, could possibly attend a local school due to fluency in Chinese
-Willing to handle some of airfare costs ourselves