OVERVIEW
What Is a History Teacher?
A history teacher is an educator who helps students explore and understand the events, people, and cultures that have shaped the world. They teach about a variety of topics, including ancient civilizations, modern history, world wars, and local history, aiming to make the past relevant and engaging. These educators can work at different levels—from middle school to high school to college—and adapt their lessons to the needs of their students.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a History Teacher Do?
A history teacher’s responsibilities go far beyond just delivering lessons. Here’s a closer look at what they might do daily:
- Create lesson plans that align with educational standards and make history engaging and accessible for students.
- Lead discussions on history through lectures, multimedia presentations, and interactive activities.
- Foster critical thinking by encouraging students to analyze historical events and think critically about their relevance to today.
- Source educational materials, historical texts, and primary documents to give students a deeper understanding of the subject.
- Conduct research to stay current on historical findings and research new materials to enhance lesson quality.
- Assess and evaluate students via tests, essays, and assignments to monitor student progress and provide individualized feedback.
- Collaborate with colleagues to improve curriculum design and share classroom strategies.
Where Does a History Teacher Work?
History teachers can work in a variety of settings, including:
Middle schools and high schools: Teaching foundational history courses to younger students.
Colleges and universities: Lecturing on specialized historical topics, often combined with research responsibilities.
Museums or historical institutions: Advising in education-oriented roles at museums or heritage sites.
Online or alternative education platforms: Delivering virtual lessons and creating digital content for online learners.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a History Teacher?
Becoming a history teacher requires the right education and certifications. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Start with a bachelor’s degree in history, education, or a related field. Some programs offer degrees specifically in secondary education with a concentration in history.
Step 2: Get Certified
To teach at the K–12 level, you must obtain a state teaching certificate or license. Requirements vary by state but usually involve passing exams and completing a certain number of teaching hours.
Step 3: Pursue Continuing Education
A master’s degree in education technology can boost your skills and qualifications, especially if you plan to teach history at the college level.
Step 4: Specialize
Consider specializing in a particular area of history such as American history, ancient civilizations, or world history to stand out in the job market.
Best Degrees for a History Teacher
Education
Educational Studies – B.A.
These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to...
These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to make a difference in a field that interests you.
Based on your career goals and interests, you can choose an educational studies program in one of 10 content areas that meets your needs while working toward employment in school settings, corporate training, or instructional design. These programs do not lead to a teaching license.
- Time: Completion time varies depending on the specialty track you choose.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- This bachelor's degree allows students to learn about education but does not include student teaching and it does not lead to a teaching license.
Focus areas of this educational studies degree program include:
- Elementary Education
- Elementary and Special Education
- Mild to Moderate Special Education
- Secondary Biology Science Education
- Secondary Chemistry Science Education
- Secondary Earth Science Education
- Secondary Physics Education
- Secondary Mathematics Education
How Much Does a History Teacher Make?
$84,380
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a postsecondary history teacher (college and university level) is approximately $84,380. For high school history teachers, the median annual wage is closer to $65,220. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced teachers in high-demand areas or those with advanced degrees can earn more.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
8%
The job outlook for history teachers is promising. The demand for history teachers is projected to grow by 8% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is fueled by a growing emphasis on social studies education and a continual need for knowledgeable educators.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a History Teacher Need?
To excel as a history teacher and inspire learners, it is essential to develop a wide range of skills. Here are some key skills every history teacher should cultivate:
- Strong subject knowledge: A deep understanding of historical events, periods, and themes is vital to teaching effectively and answering students' questions.
- Classroom management: The ability to maintain a positive and organized classroom environment ensures that lessons run smoothly and students stay engaged.
- Storytelling ability: Captivating storytelling brings historical events and figures to life, making lessons more engaging and memorable for students.
- Critical thinking and analysis: Teaching students to evaluate sources, interpret evidence, and develop their own perspectives requires strong analytical skills.
- Communication skills: Clear and effective communication is essential for explaining complex concepts and fostering discussions in the classroom.
- Adaptability: The ability to tailor lessons to different learning styles and adjust to unexpected challenges is crucial for a dynamic teaching environment.
- Technological proficiency: Leveraging educational technology such as digital maps, online resources, and multimedia tools enhances the learning experience.
- Empathy and patience: Understanding students’ diverse backgrounds and learning needs helps build a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.
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