Focus on courses or work with high school teachers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to pursue a graduate degree in physics or accept a job offer as a "science in motion" facilitator for high school teachers. Participants consider the implications of each choice on career goals, financial stability, and personal satisfaction.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their background in physics and the job offer, expressing a desire to eventually obtain a PhD and teach at a rural college.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential impact of not having a master's degree on the offered compensation, with a suggestion to investigate this further.
  • Another participant suggests that earning a higher salary for a few years could provide financial stability and maturity before pursuing graduate studies.
  • A hypothetical scenario is proposed where financial concerns are set aside to focus on gaining experience relevant to a future in education.
  • Some participants express enthusiasm for the "science in motion" role, highlighting the benefits of job security and experience in a challenging job market.
  • One participant indicates a preference for the job offer but expresses regret about leaving a place they enjoy living in.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether to prioritize immediate employment or further education, with no consensus reached on the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

Considerations include the potential impact of job compensation on future educational pursuits and the personal satisfaction derived from each option. The discussion does not resolve the implications of these factors.

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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