How to become a History teacher?

Question

I'm just a Freshman in High School and I'm interested in becoming a history teacher. What are some good classes to take for me to get the "Sharpest Edge" possible into cutting into the Teaching world. (Also it's for a project on what I want to be as an adult)

Answer 1

I am a history teacher.  Here are a few things to think about:

1-Take a variety of liberal arts courses that emphasize the development of writing skills.  When you take history courses in college, you'll do LOTS of writing!!

2-Take a speech class and learn how to speak in front of an audience. Teachers can't be afraid to speak in public.

3-Read, read, read, all you can about ALL areas of history, not just the area your interested in.

4-Job shadow a teacher OR become a student assistant for a history teacher.

Lastly, consider getting certified in Social Studies with an emphasis in history.  Most districts want teachers who are more flexible.  No Child Left Behind makes it harder for districts to hire teachers certified in history only.

Work hard and good luck!

Answer 2

Simple...go to a University that has an Education Department, enroll, and pick-up your teaching certificate. Should take 2-3 years minimum. Read lots on History (world / your country) and apply for positions where History is mainly what you would teach. You can help increase your chances by taking additional courses in History in Uni.

Good Luck...you'll need it.

Answer 3

Good that you want to become a teacher - teaching can be very rewarding. When you go off to college, you will probably want to study history. I would suggest that you study history and something else that you may want to teach to make you more marketable - that was something a friend of mine suggested to me when I was considering becoming a teacher (and here I am offering you advice!). If your college has a teacher education program, even better.

Good luck

Answer 4

While you are in high school and college look at tutoring jobs, or tutoring positions to give you more hands on experience of helping people out.

When you are in college make sure you major in history, and do the certification on the side. Do not major in seconday education, because with an actual history degree you can do more if you decide to change your degree then had you have just done an education degree.

Answer 5

Take many history modules that you know the schools will be teaching (you need to do some research). If possible, take education modules (such as sociology of education, philosophy of education, educational psychology, counselling).

All the best to you. Teaching is a very tough job.

Answer 6

In high school: Take as many history classes as you can.  Learn as much as you can.  Keep your grades up in every class you take (not just history).  

Looking at schools (colleges/universities):  Apply everywhere you can.  Find out everything you can about the school's Secondary Education and History departments.  Make sure both departments work well with each other, and are proficient in what they do (important - get current students' honest opinions).  See what the school's requirements are for becoming a history teacher.  Would you do a double major in Education and History?  Would you be a History major and Education minor?  Find out how the school helps students apply for teaching certificates (most Education departments do as a graduation requirement).  Would you be certified only in the state the school is in?  How would you get a teaching certificate for the state you want to teach in, if it's a different state from where the school is?...  Pick the school you like the most.

In college/university:  Get the best grades you can - don't slack off.  Make sure you keep asking yourself "is this what I still want to do" (believe me on this one, you don't want to end up in the wrong career).  Complete all the requirements the school has for Secondary Education and History.  Keep up on the requirements - ask your adviser if anything doesn't make sense or if you even THINK you might not be fulfilling requirements.  Get your teaching certificate (as I said, most schools will give you step-by-step instructions on how to do that).  Again, always ask yourself "is this still what I want to do with my life".

Around/after graduation:  Find a job teaching history.  Make sure you have the correct certification.  Get it if you don't.  And, if you don't find a job right away, don't be discouraged.  Substitute teach for a while if you need to.