History Teaching Degree Programs

Does this degree program provide generalized information on different levels of history or should I pursue a specialty?

Most Master in Education – History programs can provide students with a well-rounded portfolio of history topics. While there are specialized programs available to students interested in focusing on particular aspect of history, most programs seek to cover all generalized areas of history for educational purposes. The courses you can take during your program can help to introduce you to each of these areas throughout your experience.

Do I need teaching experience to enroll in this program?

Depending on the program you choose, you may or may not be required to be a seasoned educator. Some schools provide all-inclusive programs suitable for people from all undergraduate programs. Others may be built around a history of educational experience. Therefore, there may be schools available for students with or without teaching experience.

What grade level can I teach with this degree?

The majority of online Masters in Education – History programs available throughout the U.S. may cater to the needs of grades 6-12 students. However, having a masters in this discipline can also align you with what is required of university history instructors as well. Depending on what type of student you wish to work with, there are likely availability for graduates with this degree in both areas.

Steps to Licensure

A career in the public school system is positively challenging, yet provides a fulfilling career. In order to become a certified teacher, one must apply for licensure in their practicing state. TeachingDegrees.com has all of the information that you need in order to apply for licensure.

In order to apply for a license, you must at least hold a Bachelor’s degree. Various licenses are available and depend on your degree and amount of experience. Passing state mandated exams is necessary in most cases before the license application process takes place.

When applying to become a History teacher, applicants will have a to take a series of History content exams as well as the Principles of Learning and Teaching exams. Each state requires its own minimum score.

After completing a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree, teachers are required to have successfully passed a series of mandated state tests that are regulated through the Department of Education in each state. A History content exam will be given in order to add a History endorsement to a teaching license.

Once an applicant as met the minimum score requirements, they can apply online through the state licensing board of education. In order to be able to teach, applicants must pass exams related to the field of education that focus on the theories and methods in the field.

The State Department of Education requires a copy of your college degree, transcripts and your exam scores. Once all of those items have been sent in to the considering state, applicants fill out required paperwork or go online for processing.

Once prospective teachers have obtained a license and are certified, they are eligible to begin teaching in that state. In rare occasions, a school district can hire a teacher who has not completed the licensing process, yet.

If you are hired for a History teaching job and do not have a license, you typically have to complete any courses you are lacking and pass your exams within a three year period or less.

The local school district can assist the process as well once you’ve been offered a job. Some states have the applications online. A license must be earned within 1-3 years after being hired without one or the school system will not be able to renew your contract.

If teachers want to add a certification to teach a new subject or different grade level, then an examination is required. Specific state scores have been set with minimum requirements in order to add the certification to a current, active teaching license.

TeachingDegrees.com offers information from each state on the certification and licensing process. All information provided on TeachingDegrees.com comes from the Council for the Accreditation on Educator Preparation.

Types of History Teaching Degrees

If you are interested in a career as an History teacher, there are numerous degrees that you can earn.

Some teachers want to work with Middle School students. There are options to earn a degree in Elementary Education with a focus on grades 4-8. In this case, you could minor in History, so that you complete college with enough hours to teach that subject to middle school students.

Other teachers like working with older adolescents in high school in grades 9-12. If this interests you, you can major in History and minor in Secondary Education. This ensures that you can apply for a teaching license in both the subject of History and to teach grades 9-12 on a high school level.

Some people interested in History might want to earn a master’s degree in History and teach on a community college level. Several colleges offer online master’s degrees in History. Or if a teacher has a master’s degree in Education with at least 18 hours of graduate History courses, they are qualified to teach on a community college level.

Earning an History degree and properly passing state exams to receive licensure typically qualifies educators to teach History grades 7-12.

Types of Teaching Careers

If you have a passion for discussing wars, and time periods, and writing research papers, then becoming a History teacher might be your dream job. If you are interested in a career as a History teacher, there are numerous paths that you can follow.

There is a great need for teachers who want to work with Middle School students, typically grades 6-8, but sometimes as low as 4-8. There are options to earn a degree in Elementary Education with a focus on grades 4-8.

If considering this route, you could minor in History, so that you complete college with enough hours to teach that subject to middle school students. And major in Education to learn classroom skills and behavior management techniques.

A lot of new and passionate teachers want to work with older adolescents in high school in grades 9-12. If this interests you, you can major in History and minor in Secondary Education. This helps mandate the regulations you need to apply for a teaching license in both the subject of History and to teach grades 9-12 on a high school level.

Other teaching options for History majors or adult high schools. A lot of older students are going back to night school and completing their high school education.

Some people interested in History might want to earn a master’s degree in History and teach on a community college level. Several colleges offer online master’s degrees in History. Or if a teacher has a master’s degree in Education with at least 18 hours of graduate History courses, they are qualified to teach on a community college level.

Teaching History on any level is both exciting and rewarding. School systems all over the county are currently seeking qualified applicants.

History teachers may teach at the secondary or college level. Secondary history teachers generally acquire a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education or in a specific history field. State certification is generally required regardless of degree. Professors teaching at the college or university level generally obtain a Masters Degree in an aspect of American or World History. History teachers are required to be well versed in a complex array of subjects, including: Economics and Financial Systems, World Religions, Sociology and Cultural Studies, Political Science, Civics, and Geography.

History teachers must be able to engage students with material and demonstrate the applicability of studies to current events. Individuals with a passion for teaching who have an interest in history or world events are good prospects for becoming a history teacher.

This position often offers summers off, which history teachers may use to travel and broaden their knowledge of the past. Cultural travels are common during the summer for history teachers, though some teachers may choose to teach summer school to assist struggling students. History teachers generally work set hours, with weekends off, though some teachers may choose to coach or participate in extra curricular activities during this time.

History teachers must demonstrate personal drive and skilled organization, with these skills and a passion for history, interest in the past can be continued to the next generation.