Being a high school social studies teacher can be very rewarding.You will inform your students about geography, history, government and current events directly.It is possible to become a successful high school social studies teacher if you know what to expect from the position and how to obtain it.
Step 1: You should get a degree in education.
All schools require you to have a bachelor's degree in education.This degree will show you can deliver information to students using the best practices.Before you apply for certification or employment, make sure you have completed all of your course work and obtained your bachelor's degree.Social studies courses are where your electives should be.History or sociology might be included in these courses.If you can make social studies courses your major or minor and still get your bachelor's degree in education, talk to your advisor.If your bachelor's degree was in history or sociology, you can add an additional fifth year of educational studies.
Step 2: The period of student teaching is over.
A period of student teaching is required by many states and colleges.You can use student teaching to create lesson plans and teach a class.You will be able to learn from the experience of a veteran teacher.Before applying for certification in your state, check that you have met your student teaching requirements.Your college may be able to place you at a school where you can begin teaching.Student teaching is not paid.You will be a student teacher for the entire semester.You can learn from your time as a student teacher.Make changes to things that aren't working.
Step 3: If you want to work in a public or private school, you need to decide.
Private and public schools have different requirements for social studies teachers.Most state run schools require you to be certified to teach in that state, but not all private schools do.Determine which type of school you would like to work in by researching both options.It is possible to work in a private school.Private schools don't have to follow the same hiring standards as public schools.Most public schools will require you to be certified.At some point, many public schools will require you to earn a master's degree.
Step 4: If you plan on working in a public school, you need to be certified.
You will need to become certified to teach in that state if you plan on working there.Each state has its own certification requirements and methods.Make sure you understand your state's teacher certification requirements.To find out more about your state's requirements for qualifications, check with your college.Before you can become certified, you need a bachelor's degree.It is possible that your state requires you to have taken college courses.If you want to become certified, you need to pass an exam in your state.There is a list of state requirements at teacherceutoolbox.com.
Step 5: You have to have the right skills.
Being a social studies teacher will require you to have certain personal qualities.Personal qualities will help you be a good teacher.A high school social studies teacher should have good communication skills.There is technological competency.It is possible to speak a second language.There is patience.
Step 6: You should get proof that you're ready to be certified.
If you want to become certified in your state, you need to submit some important documents.These documents will show you are prepared to take the exam.Before you take your exam, make sure you have the following documents ready: Official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and criminal background checks.
Step 7: The key areas of social studies should be studied.
The key subject areas of social studies will allow you to demonstrate your competency on the certification exam.The structure of the test varies from state to state.You could review some of the example subject areas to prepare yourself for the test.The skills of social studies include economics, citizenship, and government.
Step 8: You have to take the exam.
You will be able to take the exam after you are qualified and have studied for it.Depending on the state you are in, the exact details of your exam will be different.There are some basic tips that you can use to pass the exam.You have plenty of time to arrive at your testing location.Follow all directions on your test.During the test, keep a good pace.Before handing in your exam, double check your answers.
Step 9: There are positions that are vacant.
If you have a bachelor's degree and are certified to teach in your state, you can begin looking for open positions.There are many ways to find vacancies.Before applying to a position, take your time and find a few positions that meet your needs.Some of the major job posting websites allow you to search for positions on-line.There are websites that cater to education careers.You can find openings on the school's website.You can use your college's employment center to see if they can help you find a job.You can use your own network to learn about new openings.Substitute teaching can be used to gain experience and contacts.
Step 10: You have to apply for the position.
It's time to apply for a position that you feel is a good fit for you.Follow the directions of the school when you submit the documents.Send all documentation requested by the school when you apply if you want to stand out and get an interview.If you are applying for a position, make sure your cover letter and resume are up to date.Explain why you are a good fit for the position.
Step 11: An interview for a job.
You may be offered an interview after applying for the position.The hiring team at the school will be able to assess your skills and qualifications during the interview.It will allow you to learn more about the school and decide if it's the right place for you.Bring your professional portfolio when you attend your interview.When you get an interview, this can be a good way to show off your skills.Before the interview, study up on the school you are applying to.Your interview may have more than one round.You may be asked to teach a class in an interview.
Step 12: If you need a master's degree, you can get it.
If you want to get your master's degree in education, some schools will require you to continue your education.If you are working for a school, they will allow you a certain amount of time to complete your degree.As you move towards meeting this requirement, you will need to balance your studies and work.You can get your master's degree in five years.Your master's degree will give you skills and methods to use in the classroom.
Step 13: Your skills and qualifications should be kept up to date.
You'll need to keep your teaching skills sharp even after you've obtained a position and master's degree.Continuation education courses are required by many schools.You need to attend professional development courses and keep up-to-date with the newest teaching methodologies to become a successful teacher.You will want to attend a lot of teacher workshops.Professional development can help you find new ways to engage your students.You can learn more about classroom management techniques.
Step 14: When it comes to salary, know what you should expect.
Learning what you are likely to be paid as a social studies teacher can help you decide if the job is right for you.Knowing the average pay-rate can help you negotiate when you are hired.You can research the average rate of pay for social studies teachers in your area.Social studies teachers made an average of $57k in 2015.The highest paid high school teachers made up to $91k per year.The pay rate for high school teachers was the lowest.
Step 15: The outlook for high school social studies teachers can be found here.
If you want to know how widespread a position will be in the future, it's a good idea to get the training and education.If you learn more about the projected growth rate for high school social studies teachers, you'll know if it's the right time to get involved with this profession.The amount of high school teachers in the US is expected to increase.Many high school teachers are expected to retire in the next few years.
Step 16: The duties of a high school social studies teacher can be found here.
If you want to become a high school social studies teacher, you should review some of the core duties of that position.Knowing what daily tasks you will be doing will let you know which skills you already possess and which ones you need to acquire.Creating lesson plans for your classes is one of the basic duties that high school social studies teachers often have.Students need to be assessed and addressed.Children are taught in different group sizes.Lessons should be adapted to class size and student needs.Homework and assignments are graded.Parents should be aware of their child's progress.Work with children on their own.Provide supervision for the class and create and enforce classroom rules.