A Day in the Life of a History Teacher Back to Top

According to Wikipedia, History is “the study of the human past.” The subject is often approached from two vantage points: World History and US History. World History takes a global perspective, usually progressing chronologically and jumping from one society to another according to the pertinent issues of the era. US History also progresses chronologically, but follows only the United States from colonization up to the modern day. In elementary school, students will typically take a combination of History, Geography, and Civics known as Social Studies. History as an independent subject is taught only beginning in middle school. High school continue building upon the foundation laid in middle school, though in a more detailed fashion.

Middle School

In middle school, students will typically take a specific History class each year. Usually, there are one or two year devoted to World History, which introduces students to prehistory, ancient civilizations, the age of exploration, the Renaissance, and modern history, amongst others. Another year is devoted to US History, which spans the period beginning from the discovery of the New World to modern times, exploring US politics, culture, and society at large along the way.

High School

In most school districts, students will take two years of World History and a year of US History. History courses offered in High School build upon the basics taught in middle school, but offer students much more thorough knowledge of the subject. Many high schools also offer both AP Global History (divided between earlier and later phases) and AP US History, which are more rigorous courses that count for college credit.

The demand for History teachers is expected to grow over 10% in the next five years. To become a History teacher at any level, there are some requirements. All 50 states require that a public school teacher be licensed. Usually, those teaching a specific course must also have at least a four-year degree as well as teacher-preparation courses. Many states also have programs that allow college graduates with expertise in their field to obtain a license without taking any additional preparation courses. According to American Federation of Teachers (AFT), a traditional public school History teacher earns a salary of just over $51,000. Every state requires that a History teacher hold a bachelor’s degree and obtain a teaching certificate.

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