ApplePi

Teaching is what I want to do, yes. I understand that teaching is only a part of what a professor's job entails at a more prestigious institution, but that ship has long sailed for me. I think possibly a junior college level or small, liberal arts school would be a better fit. As I understand it, a phd is preferred even if not required for these kinds of opportunities. My masters will be in pure math and I'm about half way through. I'm taking a second course in each of algebra, analysis and topology now. My undergrad focused more on the education aspect than math, so the courses I was in last semester were considered "transitional" - that is, undergrad level for grad credit. I'm aware that the rigor I experienced is nothing compared to what many other programs offer, but I'm doing well in this setting and would like to continue studying math. I will check out that other forum. Thanks.

I'm a resident of IL and have been most of my life. I received my undergrad in Math Education with the goal of being a high school teacher, but decided to hide out in a masters program for pure math while the State got its act together with common core implementation. Lately, through tutoring and mentoring, I've found that I really just can't stand teenagers, likely due to pushing 30 and having nothing in common with this new generation. I'm considering following up my masters work with a PhD and shooting for a professorship instead. I've since found out that this is exceedingly difficult to accomplish and wanted to know if anyone else around here has made a similar jump. Academically, I've been a 4.0 student throughout but at a completely unranked school. College Rank didn't matter when I was thinking about high school, but I've realized that this is not the case for post secondary educators. So, with a "fourth tier" public school education and zero publications, what kind of PhD programs should I even be looking at? And more importantly, if a fourth tier school PhD is what I can attain, is it worth it to even attend? I'm in a kind of midlife crisis mode suddenly seeing that what I planned the last 6 years isn't what I want. Looking to maybe network with people who have had a similar experience who could offer advice. Thanks