Are teaching Couples Still More Marketable

[TeacherGal]

Is it still the case that a teaching couple (in this case two North Americans) are more marketable in general than single North American teachers?

[PsyGuy]

Depends on the subject and the scenario, but generally yes, teaching couples are more marketable. There is a cost savings in the OSH package that makes couples logistically desirable.

Two ITs with identical teaching fields would be at a disadvantage, or when applying to an IS with very low turnover that doesnt have suitable vacancies. At that point the recruiter knows that at some point the IT there is a vacancy for is going to inquire about an option for their spouse, either creating a vacancy that isnt needed, or some staffing work, otherwise they just become a trailing spouse. At which point the trailing spouse is just cost, and a single IT is cheaper.

[Cooldude]

Well yes of course. They are considered a cost saving benefit, popular in more remote locations where social opportunities may be more limited. If one half of the couple teaches Math or Science, then very desirable indeed.

[PsyGuy]

@Cooldude

Unless the other half also teaches the same math or science.

[Lagringa]

I've recruited as a single and recruited as a couple and had a much easier time as a single. Yes, I think most schools prefer couples but it can be much harder to find a match when you have to find a job for two people. And it seems with most couples, one of them is a weaker link and can sometimes sabotage chances of getting hired. A couple with kids might also have a hard time as kids can be seen as a liability and some schools might rule you out because they don't want or can't give up classroom seats to faculty kids who aren't paying tuition.