what courses in high school and college do i need to take to be a us history teacher?

Question

i think i might want to be that. help please! :)

Answer 1

Do you really want to know the honest answer to this? It might surprise you, but I learned the hard way. There is actually an abudance of history/social studies teachers on the job market compared to any other subject area. Schools are less likely to pick you because of good class choices, good grades, and a desire to teach. You have to look through the administrators eyes (the person who makes the decision). First of all, don't go out into the market with a Masters Degree, get that later on. The best incentive of hiring a new teacher is the fact they will pay you less. If they have to choose between a person with a BA and 2 years experience or a MA and no experience, they will always go with the experienced person. Keep in mind that once you get in the door, they will usually pay for the Masters anyway.
The best thing you can do? Be a coach! I have a friend who didn't even have to student teach, but they hired him because they really needed coaches. There is a shortage of qualified coaches out there, and if you look around, you might notice that alot of the history teachers out there are also involved in athletics. Get involved in a recreation level program to learn the ropes, and possibly get some type of coaching certificate if you can. You could always change your mind about coaching after you get some experience.
I know all of this doesn't make sense at the point you are at right now, but this is how the administrators that do the hiring think.

Answer 2

I teach history and english. It's a rewarding job, and it's nice to hear that you're thinking of it. . .

HIGH SCHOOL--Of course, take the classes expected of you on the college-prep track. Take 4 years of social studies courses. This shouldn't be tough because many schools require this now. This will include classes like government, consumer economics, U. S. history, and world history. I strongly suggest you take challenging English classes. Specifically, if you can get into an AP or honors English class, you should. History classes in college are all about essays. Your tests will be essay tests, and you will write long research papers in class. If you take honors English in high school, you will be better prepared.

COLLEGE--Speak with your advisor as soon as possible and explain your goals. He or she will help you put together a schedule that fits them. I suggest getting in at least one education class right away, because this will let you see if you really want to teach. This is a love it or hate it profession, and you need to know as soon as possible if you will love it! If you decide you don't love it, the credits will work towards your general education requirements.

You should know that there are 2 kinds of history teachers: those with a "History" certification, and those with a "Social Sciences" certification. I strongly suggest you find out about the requirements for getting a social sciences certification in your state. In most states, just by studying history you will be taking about half the classes you need for this, and the SS certification makes you far more marketable. If you do a search on it, be aware that some states are renaming this certification with names like "Citizenship Education Certificate."

SS teachers can also teach economics, psychology, sociology, history, geography and government and still be considered "highly qualified" according to the No Child Left Behind act. History certified teachers can only teach history, geography and government. Even though you may only want to teach history, when budget cuts come, the first teachers to go are new ones. You want to be the new teacher who can slide into a hard-to-fill position when/if your position gets cut.

To get this certification, you will have to take a few more classes, including Sociology/anthropology, basic economics, and possibly some pre-law introductory classes. The state defines what qualifies, so most of the classes are introductory/beginner classes so they won't be too insanely difficult. Talk to your education department chair or a professor to learn more.

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Well, obviously you want to start by taking as many history classes as possible. When you go to college, you will meet with an advisor, and they will help you plan out the courses you need. You might have to meet with more than one advisor if you go to a big university. (I teach math and I had to talk to a math advisor and an education advisor) Your education classes should include lots of time observing experienced teachers. Make sure you ask them for ideas for your classroom-discipline plans, lesson plans, projects-anything you can steal from them will be a valuable resource to you.

Before you spend the time and money getting a degree, you might try shadowing a teacher for a day to see what they really do from a teacher's perspective instead of from a student's perspective. Also try tutoring to see if you have the patience to be a teacher. If your school has an FTA club, join that - they usually try to arrange for future teachers to try teaching a lesson to a class. If there isn't an FTA club, see if one of your teachers would be willing for you to try teaching a lesson, or part of a lesson.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Definitely get all History classes or classes that relate to History into your schedule as possible. Try economics, geography, etc. Try testing for Honors classes. Honors World History and other college prep and advanced placement classes look great on a college application.

Best of Luck!

Answer 5

It doesn't really matter what courses you take in high school, just do well in all your subjects so that you can get into a good college. You can major in Secondary Education in college, and choose the History track.

Answer 6

I've been teaching 33 years, and everything JON B. said is absolutely the truth!!! Pick another area to teach, like math, science, or special education. These are the areas in Oklahoma education where there is a shortage of qualified teachers.

Answer 7

Be sure you get all the credits for an honors diploma (or the most rigorous diploma you can) and that you keep your grades at least above a 3.0. With any elective courses you have, take history and social sciences courses. Talk with your guidance counselor early on and they can help you determine the best path. Above all, push yourself and do the best you can in the most difficult classes you can be successful in.

Answer 8

extreme college is a time for finding out matters you may appreciate for their own sakes. some like math, mutually as others appreciate biology. college is an threat to delve deeper into your selection(s) of matters that pastime you. at the instant, etymology caught my pastime, and my analyzing has been centred on that subject for no different reason than in basic terms enjoying something. It does not take college to appreciate those countless pastimes, whether it confident provides a robust base to start up at a undeniable element, and build on that.

Answer 9

Just take general education with a minor in US history.

But you may not get a teaching job in that subject so add another minor in English and work up to it.