How to Become a Social Studies Teacher
Why Become a Social Studies Teacher?
By becoming a social studies teacher, you’ll have the opportunity to spark students’ interest in global societies, invest in their civic competence and help them to develop a fuller, more complex understanding of the world around them.
While math and science are essential to a child’s education, it is equally important to learn how and why societies function as they do; to investigate social institutions, economic structures and political systems; and to explore how these societal components have changed and will continue to evolve. When students examine global issues, unfamiliar cultures and social systems, and the socio-political structure of their environment, they are empowered to be knowledgeable and engaged participants in both local and international communities.
If you want the opportunity to introduce students to the social diversity of the world and to be a part of inspiring civically and globally-minded young people, then working as a social studies teacher may be your ideal career path.
What are the Responsibilities of a Social Studies Teacher?
Unlike other elementary and secondary education subjects, social studies blends the humanities with the social sciences. It is a critical introduction to interdisciplinary studies. It integrates history, geography, economics, political science, psychology and other areas of study to create a cohesive but intricate discipline. This requires social studies teachers to be well-versed in numerous subjects, their interrelation and how they relate to life beyond the classroom.
Social studies teachers help students make sense of the social world, both past and present. They guide students through cultural studies and teach them about distinct traditions, language and value systems. They explore democratic ideals and civic engagement. They investigate the relationship between humans and the environment and their global connections. At the same time, they also improve students’ ability to think critically, synthesize and summarize information into strong arguments and communicate effectively.
In support of daily classroom instruction, social studies teachers design lesson and curricula plans that meet state standards and create assignments, in-class activities and projects that engage students and support learning objectives.
While classroom instruction is the primary responsibility, teachers also have general administrative duties. They are responsible for keeping an orderly and safe classroom, evaluating student progress, providing supplemental instruction when needed and meeting with parents. Teachers may also be required to supervise students outside of the classroom and provide support for extracurricular activities.
Social Studies Teacher Requirements
Earn an Undergraduate Degree
There are several degree paths available to become a social studies teacher. The first step for all of them starts with a bachelor’s degree.
If you wish to teach elementary-age children, your first step is to find a university or college with an elementary education program that suits your educational needs and interests and begin the application process. Earning a bachelor’s degree through an elementary education program provides a direct course to your career aspirations.
If your professional interests are in teaching secondary education, there are a couple of degree routes from which you can choose. Most universities and colleges offer a secondary education degree program that equips students with general training but also specialized expertise in the subject they want to teach. Typically, secondary education programs also create a clear path to certification, making it a promising option for those eager to start teaching.
If you've already earned a bachelor’s degree in an area relevant to social studies and want to start the certification process, your next step is to enroll in a teacher preparation program. Many higher education institutions offer these programs to provide prospective teachers with instructional training and student teaching placements. Completing an education preparation program is an efficient way to fulfill state-led certification requirements and prepare for a career in the classroom.
State Educator Certification
After fulfilling your education requirements, the next step is to receive your required state teaching license.
While certification requirements may change based on the subject matter and grade level, for most states, the basic requirements to become a social studies teacher are to:
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hold a bachelor’s degree or higher;
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complete a student teaching experience;
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complete a state-registered preparation program;
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pass both a subject-specific examination and a state certification examination;
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pass a background check.
Requirements to obtain certification can vary from state to state. To learn more about your state-specific certification requirements, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s state contacts directory to find important contact information for your state’s department of education.
Career Demand for Social Studies Teachers
With an ever-changing world and a continued need for civic education and engagement, social studies teachers are essential to students’ learning.
From 2021 through 2031, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects secondary teaching jobs will increase by four percent annually, which is on track with the national average. Approximately, 47,300 middle school teaching jobs and 77,900 high school teaching jobs will open per year.
In terms of secondary teachers’ average earning potential, the median annual salary for middle school teachers was $61,320. For high school teachers, it was $61,820. Teachers’ salaries can range based on a variety of factors, such as the state, the school district and whether the school is public or private.
To increase earning potential, teachers can take on administrative positions like principal, which would raise the median salary to $98,420. Higher-level positions generally require a master’s degree and more extensive experience working in a school system.
What Skills Are Necessary to Become a Social Studies Teacher?
Because social studies teachers work in an interdisciplinary subject area, it is important to have strong communication and presentation skills. With so many areas of study co-mingling in one class, social studies teachers have the distinct challenge of weaving together educational strands like history, anthropology, religion, philosophy and political science. To teach social studies successfully, teachers must have inventive and engaging communication strategies to highlight the interconnectedness of these subjects while not overwhelming students.
Having the ability to connect class lessons to real-world happenings and ongoing civic issues makes learning come to life. However, this also presents teachers with the responsibility to ensure they create an inclusive, understanding and equitable learning environment for all students. Embracing and celebrating a diverse student body is vitally important and aims to benefit the learning journeys of all students.
In addition, social studies teachers must also possess strong organizational and management skills to ensure their classroom is a safe, efficient space for learning. These skills are also beneficial for lesson and curriculum planning, maintaining accurate student records and supporting the overall needs of the school in which they work.
Earn Your Master’s Degree
Pursuing a master’s degree in teaching gives you the specialized training and hands-on experience needed to obtain your initial certification, empowering you to make the career change you’ve always wanted.
Earn your Master of Science in Teaching at Iona University
The Master of Science in Teaching at Iona University is specifically designed for those interested in teaching but in need of comprehensive pedagogical training. This graduate degree program provides hopeful social studies teachers with a clear-cut route to certification via the Approved Teacher Preparation Program pathway.
The master’s in teaching degree prepares students to excel as educators. The program curriculum meets both New York State Education Department’s certification regulations and numerous national teacher accreditation associations’ standards and focuses on providing students with quality training through thorough coursework and classroom instruction, as well as a rich student teaching experience.
Begin the Journey to Becoming a Social Studies Teacher
Social studies teachers equip students with an important framework for understanding the intricacies of the society in which they live and improving their civic competence.
Created for career changers looking to jumpstart their teaching dreams, Iona’s Master of Science in Teaching degree offers students a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for the classroom and to become a mentor to young learners.
To continue learning about how Iona’s master’s in teaching program can help you reach your professional goals, visit Graduate Admissions.
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