help! really confused about visas

I have met the man of my dreams   , and he is a dual citizen, UK/US living with his mother in the UK. I'm an American. He's younger than me and still in college. We both realize it would be easier and less expensive for him to move here, but he needs to finish school and would rather stay where he is. I've transfered schools and it would be a hassle. I have always wanted to do some time abroad, so we figured I would move out there for at least the time it takes for him to finish school, then move back to the states. We both know we will get married eventually, but don't want to rush into it, so I don't want to do a fiance visa.

I'm looking to move next summer. I'm a teacher and need to stay here for the school year and it would be too soon to move this year before school starts. I have been reading the threads tonight and see that it appears to be difficult to get a work permit. I was considering that or the HSMP as my options. I know they do teacher exchange programs, but they are limited and you don't have much choice of where you end up. I am getting in contact with the Department for Education and Skills and will have NARIC look into the validity of my qualifications as soon as I get my final transcripts from the graduate program I just finished.

My questions are: I'm not sure of the availability of teachers in England, but I know where I live, there are an abundance of highly qualified teachers, so I'm worried about not getting a work permit since they have to look in the EU first. My other option is the HSMP. I'm under 28, so the financial requirements are less, but not realistic for a beginning teacher (I'm 25 and this will be my second year teaching). I looked at the requirements for the HSMP and have seen that I should still be able to qualify if I have "significant achievement" in my field. Does anyone have any experience with what would qualify as "significant achievement" for a 2nd year teacher? I have chaired a committee investigating reading programs for my school, am in "Who's Who Among America's Teachers," am a certified reading specialist, and am certified in both early childhood and elementary education. For my age, those are significant, but I'm worried about how the UK gov will see it. I'm planning to ask my teacher to write a letter of recommendation for me, and I have an e-mail from her saying one of my units of study was publishable material, but haven't tried to publish it yet, wanted to do a set first.

Any recommendations? I'm really worried about the whole visa thing. 

Thanks!

Teachers are a shortage profession so getting a work permit shouldn't be a problem.  I got one but I had 7 years experience and an MA from a UK university.  It's not too late to apply for autumn term positions as the school year doesn't end until next week.  Positions open up all year round because teachers can leave mid-year with 6 weeks notice.

You won't qualify for an HSMP with your experience, etc.  At least from what I read.  You will have to earn QTS but that's done over 4 years and the LEA that hires you should explain what to do.  For now, you're considered an OTT (Overseas Trained Teacher) and qualified to teach in a UK school.

Thanks, I didn't think I would qualify for HSMP after seeing the standards, but it never hurts to check.

There is a shortage of teachers? That's good news! I'm waiting for my final transcripts, then I'll apply to NAEIC to inquire about my qualifications, then get in touch with a DRB. I'm contracted through my school for next school year and am contracted for my apartment through next school year as well, so I won't be ready to move this autumn.

How open are the schools to visitors? I would like to see if I can visit a school and meet with some teachers during one of my visits. I want to know about the schools and the education system there before applying, that way I'll be better prepared.