Thank you very much for the feedback! I'd definitely be open to both MYP and higher level maths (or middle school science). My thinking was that I should have experience teaching the higher level maths rather than just the certification and transcripts showing Calc 3 and graduate level statistics courses. At this point, I think I've had enough of graduate school so I'm glad to hear it won't be necessary unless I feel drawn to it later (I'd consider Ed Leadership in the future). Truly appreciate the feedback since I don't want to be working towards IT in a few years only to find it isn't an option because x,y, and z weren't done.

I apologize in advance for asking so many questions, but I know you are all a fantastic source for all things IT. My husband and I are both teachers (him 3 years high school history, including AP World), me middle school math (MYP, certified in Math 6-12 and Science 5-9...3 years experience). In the next 3 or so years we plan to pursue IT. We have two dependents that would be school age by the time we leave. We are open to locations with the possible exception of ME.

Question 1: I'm thinking about leaving MYP and teaching senior level math (AP Calculus/AP Statistics, etc). I know IB is important, but would MYP trump senior level math?

Question 2: My husband has a 20 year old DUI. Are we dead in the water?

Question 3: I do not have a degree in math (I have a PhD in Sociology with a focus on advanced statistics) or in education (I hold a permanent teaching certification thanks to the PhD and uni level teaching). Should I begin pursuing either a degree in Math or a master's in education? If I don't have one or the other will we find jobs difficult to secure even with excellent references?

I appreciate any and all feedback

Thank you all so much for the valuable feedback. I plan to try to nab a couple of years at an IB high school before we head abroad and my husband will try to gain some IB experience. I've got a proven record moving the state test scores of the most unmovitated swath of 6th graders in math/science and have had similar success with highly motivated 8th grade alegra students (ranked highly effective by the district).

The transition from tertiary to low secondary is not for the faint of heart, but I wouldn't go back to tertiary at this point (there's just too little value placed upon actual teaching at a research university).

We'll sign up for the premium services, apply like crazy, fly to fair, network and hope for the best.

Thank you both for your responses. I think it's reasonable to land in Tier 2 as a newbie. That leaves something to aim for for the next post. If I somehow ended up teaching AP Statistics my PhD would be directly relevant since that is basically what I do. My degree is from the University of Toronto, which is Ivy League in its own mind :) However, I'm well aware, as a current middle school teacher, that a PhD is of little value other than window dressing.

Psyguy: you mention that we would be less than ecstatic about the packages elite schools might offer us. Would we feel better about the packages from Tier 2 schools for our first go round? (obviously fit is more important than tier, but just curious about your comment)

In terms of recruiting firms, what would be the best approach for us? I've also set up auto-notification e-mails from the schools that interest us the most so that we can apply directly.

First, thanks to all the posters for the treasure trove of information on these boards! My husband and I are planning to enter the IE world in a couple of years and wanted to gauge our competitiveness and/or gather suggestions for increasing said competitiveness. We truly appreciate the honest feedback.

ME: I have a PhD in Sociology with a focus on quantitative -. I was an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice for five years and taught both graduate and undergraduate courses in data -/research methods. During that time I also put together a study abroad course and took 20 students to Europe. Then, for family reasons, I had to resign, moved home, and pursued employment in public schools due to lack of higher ed positions (turns out I enjoy teaching k12 more than higher ed!). I am certified in Math (6-12) and Science (5-9). I currently have two years of math and science experience at an IB middle school and would have 4 years by the time of application. I run a kickball club and would certainly be open to extracurricular opps at an IS. We have 2 dependents. I have lived and worked in both Australia (4 months) and Canada (2 years). US passport.

Husband: Certified in Social Studies 9-12, 3 years of high school history teaching with 2 of those years teaching AP World History. Would have 4 years by time of application. Coaches basketball and football. US passport.

Together we have traveled extensively through China, SE Asia, Europe, and Peru (took our 2 year old to Macchu Pichu). We would like to target SE Asia for our search, but understand a need for open-mindedness.

Whew. Sorry for the lengthy monologue. So, how can we position ourselves to be as successful as possible with our search?