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This bar graph shows the annual salary for History Teachers.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for History Teachers.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 7%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as ancient history, postwar civilizations, and the history of third-world countries.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Becoming a history teacher is a rewarding career path that allows you to share your passion for the past with future generations. Whether you're aiming to teach at the middle school, high school, or college level, there are several steps you'll need to take to achieve your goal. Here's a straightforward guide to help you navigate the process.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Your first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Most prospective history teachers will major in history or social studies. Some education programs offer a specific track for social studies or history education.
State Certification: If you want to teach in public schools, you'll need state certification. This often involves:
Master's Degree (Optional but Beneficial): While not always required, earning a master's degree in history or education can make you more competitive and might be necessary for teaching at the college level or for advancing your career in certain school districts.
Student Teaching: Hands-on experience is crucial. Participating in a student teaching program allows you to work with experienced educators and gain classroom management skills.
Volunteering and Internships: Get additional experience by volunteering at schools, museums, or historical sites. Internships in educational settings can also provide valuable insights and professional connections.
Pass Certification Exams: You'll typically need to pass exams that test your knowledge of history and teaching skills. These can include a general teaching certification exam and a subject-specific test for history.
Specialize if Desired: You can choose to specialize in a particular area of history, such as European, American, or World History, or in an educational method, like special education or bilingual education. Specializations may require additional coursework or certifications.
Professional Development: Stay current in your field through professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, and additional coursework.
Networking: Join professional organizations like the National Council for the Social Studies (use "noopener noreferrer" when linking) to network with other teachers and stay informed about the latest teaching strategies and historical research.
Maintain Certification: Keep your teaching license current by meeting your state's continuing education requirements. This often involves taking courses or attending seminars over a certain number of years.
By following these steps and staying committed to both your subject and your students, you can become a successful history teacher and foster a love of learning about the past in others. Remember that the specific requirements can vary by state and educational institution, so it's important to research the details applicable to your situation.
To pursue a career as a history teacher, the following educational steps are typically required:
As a history teacher, you should possess a mix of hard and soft skills:
Yes, alternative routes to becoming a history teacher are available if you don't have an education degree:
Job prospects can vary depending on location, educational level (middle school, high school, postsecondary), and the economic climate. Here are some factors to consider:
To advance in your career as a history teacher, consider the following steps:
Salaries for history teachers can vary widely based on several factors:
To get more detailed information on salaries, consult resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Yes, as a history teacher, you can specialize in various areas depending on your interests:
Remember that specializations might require further study or certification.