Why are teaching jobs so hard to obtain in the US, when you are from the UK?

Question

My husband was a teacher in the UK for over 15 years teaching Religious Studies. He's been in the US for about 15 months and cannot find a job. We currently live in South Carolina and because of the subject he taught - SC will not even consider certification for any subject, Moving to another state is certainly an option. He has a 3 year BA with 2.1 honors plus 1 year post graduate teaching qualifications. We have applied to every college and private school in SC, GA , TN and NC.... He has no criminal records of any kind - is in the country legally - has a work permit from the Dept. of Homeland Security... Still - he cannot seen to get a job... he is not even getting any offers of a job - Is there anyone out there that has been through this and can offer any help what so ever. We are at our wits end trying to figure out what to do.

Answer 1

"Religious studies" is the problem.   The US doesn't have such a program and in fact, is becoming very anti-religion.     As soon as they see that background, they see trouble.  

Call it something else - social awareness or something, but he is going to have to go back to school to get a certification in something our system recognizes like English, Math, Science, Social Studies.

But be aware that US grads are having a hard time getting jobs too - there are budget cuts everywhere and it is a cruel system to break into.   The more education he has with as many varieties of certifications - the better chance he'll have.

Answer 2

Kathy gave a good answer. He is undereducated to find a job in a 4 year college, he is certified in an area that right now has few if any openings. His best option is to expand his area that he is willing to work. Check out the parochial schools at a high school level, and check out 2 year colleges or community colleges. He can substitute right now in most schools if he/you just want some more money. It won't be in religious studies, but he'd make some money.