Focus on courses or work with high school teachers

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a graduate with a BA in physics who has been offered a well-paying position at Auburn as a "science in motion" facilitator, which involves training teachers and moving lab equipment. The individual is also accepted into a physics program at the University of Alabama Huntsville and is weighing the benefits of continuing education against the job opportunity. Concerns about age and experience in teaching older educators are mentioned but are not the primary focus. The job offers valuable experience and financial stability, which could ease future graduate studies. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards accepting the job for its immediate benefits and potential for professional growth.
flatmaster
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I have my BA in physics and two years of graduate work at Auburn. I had an excellent experience there as a TA, but my own courses suffered. Quite a bit of my time was spent messing around in the intro lab. I am currently accepted at University of Alabama Huntsville to start up with their physics program in the fall.

http://www.amsti.org/

Recently, I was offered a position back at Auburn as their "science in motion" person. Basically, I would drive a van around and facilitate moving lab equipment around high-schools. Also, I would be responsible for training teachers in using the equipment. From what I've seen so far, this job would pay very well.

First off, would a kid of 26 have trouble teaching and training teachers that may be decades his senior? This, however, isn't my main concern.

Should I do "science in motion", or go back to being a full time student?

I really enjoy living in Huntsville here. I'd be able to get an MS sooner and eventually a PhD. I don't really mind living like a student for a few more years; finances aren't a problem for now.

On the other hand, the pay would be really good. The offerer mistakenly thought I already held my masters and estimated the compensation at 50K. This would be great experience should my end goal be within education. I might be able to take a course or two free of tuition.

My temporary goal is to eventually obtain a PhD and find a small, rural college at which to teach. Obviously, this is only a small part of the whole story, but which road would you take?
 
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flatmaster said:
The offerer mistakenly thought I already held my masters and estimated the compensation at 50K.

Note that once your lack of a MS does become known, your offered compensation package could be lower. You may want to look into this as you consider your options.
 
flatmaster said:
The offerer mistakenly thought I already held my masters and estimated the compensation at 50K.

I think that says it all, and if after earning 50k for a few years you decide to pursue grad school, then the added cushion of money and maturity will make it much easier.
 
Well, let's say for a minute money wasn't an issue. What would be best as far as experience to eventually end up in education?
 
The "science in motion" thing sounds like fun, and the money is excellent! If you like doing it why not do it for a few years? The economy is rock bottom at the moment, jobs are hard to get. If you have a physics job in the hand I would go for it, unless the ones in the bush look twice as good...
 
I think I'll gopher it. It's too bad, I was really beginning to enjoy living in Huntsville.
 
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