Learn β€’ Anywhere
Rumie logo

Have you ever considered that teaching geography is more than just imparting knowledge? It's about shaping the future, one generation at a time.

A smalll boy looking at a map of the world on the wall.Photo by a href on Freepik

If you care about our natural environment and want to protect it, teaching geography might be the right career choice for you.

Did you know?

"Students need geographic awareness that includes familiarity with different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles to understand and address global issues."

What is Geography?

Do maps come to mind when you think about geography? TeachingΒ cartography(making and using maps) is one aspect of geography.

Geography examines our planet's natural environment and how our presence and activities impact our atmosphere, forests and other physical features.

  • Physical geography studies the earth's natural attributes such as seasons, climate, oceans, soil, etc.

  • Human geography explores our distribution across the planet, including our cultures, economies, and politics.

Superhero Captain Planet graphic. The text reads, 'Geography never gets old, it's always relevant.'

Quiz

Amanda is doing her homework. She is trying to determine which of the following answers is related to geography. Can you help Amanda identify the correct answer?

Did you know?

"Geography careers in the 21st Century are represented in many exciting fields that offer careers in government, business, non-profit organizations, and education."

Teaching Geography

Teaching geography is more than presenting facts. It's also about introducing students to sustainable living.

Here are examples of topics you'll teach:

Introduction to Geography

Teaching students about the Earth's physical features, inhabitants, and cultures, prepares them to manage challenging environmental issues.

Geographic Inquiry

Use concerns like population growth and the environment to help students develop geographic thinking skills and find sustainable solutions.

Human Activities and the Environment

Increase students' awareness of economic, environmental, and social geographic issues. Plan lessons to debate waste disposal in landfills and the impact on global warming.

A female teacher and female elementary school student looking at a globe of the earth.Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels

Managing Natural Resources

Expose pupils toΒ First Nations environmental valuesΒ andΒ success stories of environmentalists.Β These accounts help them understand the importance of responsibly managing natural resources for future generations.

Quiz

Wildfires in Canada are occurring more frequently. A student asks you what causes the fires. Which of the following could be the main cause of this problem?

Is it the Right Career for You?

If you're interested in geography and think you might make a good geography teacher:

  • Continue to increase your knowledge.

  • Develop your analytic and critical thinking skills.

  • Learn how to plan engaging and fun lessons for students.

  • Work on your observation, storytelling, and facilitation skills.

A cartoon class room. The teacher points to a board that reads, 'Teachers are amazing!'

A cartoon character looks bored at a desk.

If you're NOT interested in...

  • environmental issues

  • understanding geographic technology

  • managing classes and student performance

  • doing field work or planning field trips

...keep searching until you find a career you love.

Take a look at what career counsellors do and how they can help you with career planning.

Getting Your Geography and Teaching Qualifications

Attend college or university and complete a bachelor's degree in geography.

Complete a teacher education program and get your teaching certification and license.

Average annual salaries:

  • Canada: Average salary $76,196

  • United States: Average Salary 72,419

Consider postgraduate studies in geography if you're interested in teaching at a college or university.

Cartoon characters throwing graduation hats in the air. The text reads, 'Congrats grad, you did it!'

Did you know?

Joining an association for geography professionals can help you identify career development opportunities and learn from geographers who work in other sectors.

Take Action

AmMale teacher in elementary school classroom.

So, are you motivated to teach geography and help children and youth understand the importance of preserving our environment?

License:

This Byte has been authored by

GB

Garnett Bucknor

Learning Specialist

BA, MEd

English

πŸͺ We use technical and analytics cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. more info