Advice on Educational Programs and Career Options

[soba]

Hi,

I am seeking general advice as well as recommendations for programs in teaching or education that align with my background and goals.

My primary goal is to work in higher education as a researcher, professor, or instructor. Alternatively, I would be interested in administrative roles related to education. I hold a PhD in mathematics and have two years of experience as a temporary instructor/professor. During this time, I taught various courses in engineering and computer science programs. Unfortunately, this experience has not been sufficient to secure even a temporary teaching position for 2025. Despite applying for numerous positions across Europe, I have not had any success.

Currently, I am working at a large engineering firm, but I find it unfulfilling and am actively looking for alternatives. I feel quite discouraged and would appreciate guidance on further education and potential career paths.

Teaching is something I am deeply passionate about, and I would love to contribute to curriculum design or similar areas. While I am not interested in becoming a licensed K-12 teacher—due to the requirement for student teaching, which doesn't fit my schedule—I am open to studying K-12 education from an academic perspective.

Could you suggest programs in areas such as educational theory, educational sociology, instructional design, curriculum studies, or similar fields that might suit my needs?

Here are my specific requirements for such programs:

1. They should be close to 100% asynchronous, with exams that are flexible or held on weekends.
   
2. Preferably self-paced, with minimal or no group work.
   
3. Total cost should not exceed 10,000 EUR.
   
4. No student teaching or requirements to have access to a classroom.
   

Thank you for your time and any advice you can offer!

[ss20ts]

You already hold a PhD so another degree isn't really going to help you. Have you tried being an adjunct instructor for a while and using that experience to help you land a professor or researcher position? In the US it is extremely difficult to land one of those positions. There are so few available nowadays. I don't know if Europe has the same issue. Where are you located? Have you considered relocating?

[soba]

I'm located in Northern Europe. I finally managed to get a full time job after a tedious job search. I haven't had any luck getting an adjunct instructor position or post-doc. I'm ready to located if I get a job offer.