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Re: [Phys-l] Physics job opening in Texas for 2008-09



I can't speak for TVS but I have been on the hiring committee for several independent schools, and we have this to say about Ph.D.'s: they don't teach very well.

Of course, most other people don't teach very well either, but Ph.D.'s don't show any particular ability to teach over regular hires, probably because most PhD programs spend little time teaching their students how to teach and what they do teach is horribly inappropriate for the high school setting. I am not saying that PhD's are necessarily worse, I'm just saying that they are not necessarily better.

The increased knowledge from from a PhD is rarely if ever useful for a high school teacher.

Thus, PhD want more money and often get it, their contribution to a school is often small compared to a teacher who has spent the same time to get more experience teaching. While some schools are currently pushing for more advanced degrees among their teachers, it is really a response to some colleges who have programs, especially in the humanities, that require surprisingly few classes to get a degree.

To make a new hire, my current school talks with the teacher severals times, speaks to his or her colleagues, and has them audition through a sample lesson in front of students. And, yes, Mr. Clement, we check to see if they are using interactive techniques.

Marc "Zeke" Kossover
The Jewish Community High School of the Bay

----- Original Message ----
From: chuck britton <cvbritton@embarqmail.com>
To: Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu>
Cc: AP Physics <ap-physics@lyris.collegeboard.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 7:47:50 AM
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Physics job opening in Texas for 2008-09

PhD's want more $$$$ ????


On May 10, 2008, at 11:25 PM, Jack Uretsky wrote:

oWhy does your school only require a master's degoree, when the job
opportunities for Ph. D.'s are so slim?
Regards,
Jack

On Sat, 10 May 2008, Paul D. Price wrote:

Trinity Valley School is actively seeking a full-time Upper School
physics
instructor. The successful candidate will teach both Introductory
Physics
and AP Physics C. This individual should ideally possess the
following
qualities: a thorough knowledge of physics, a passion for teaching
high-school aged students, and the desire to aid in the innovation
and
development of an interdisciplinary science curriculum. A Masters
degree in
physics or a related science with more than three years teaching
experience
is preferred.



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