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So you want to be a teacher? Do you want to impart knowledge on the impressionable minds of the future leaders of the world and shape them into intelligent, productive, and critically thinking adults? There are many choices when it comes to picking what area to teach, so how do you decide?
If you have a love for learning new things, sharing your life experiences, and strong multi-tasking abilities, a career as a social studies teacher might be perfect for you.
Did you know?
The author of this Byte was a social studies teacher for several years and loved the variety it added to their day!
What is social studies?
One of the best things about being a social studies teacher is that you won't be teaching the same thing everyday. Social studies teachers teach a variety of subjects and wear many different hats.
Social studies teachers teach:
History
Geography
Civics
Economics
Government
Psychology/Sociology
They can even end up teaching a little philosophy, ethics, art, literature, and anthropology.
What does it take to be a social studies teacher?
Education and Experience
A bachelor's degree (typically in education or one of the fields within social studies)
A teaching certificate or license
Skills
Strong communication skills to communicate with students, coworkers, and parents
Patience to help students when they struggle or can't focus
Cultural sensitivity and the ability to hide personal bias — you'll often need to present both sides of an issue and let students decide what they believe and think
Quiz
What bachelors degree could a social studies teacher pursue?
To teach social studies, you don't have to have a bachelor's degree in education. You could pursue a degree in any field of studies within social studies.
What does a social studies teacher do each day?
While every day is a little different as a teacher, here are the types of activities you will do on a regular basis.
During Classes
Present lectures and lessons
Work with students one on one and in small groups
Monitor students' behavior and correct it
Check that students understand the lesson and reteach it if they do
Outside of Class
Meet with parents and students
Attend professional development seminars, team meetings, and faculty meetings
Correct assignments and enter grades
Respond to emails and phone calls from students, parents, and coworkers
Plan lessons and assignments
Quiz
As a social studies teacher, what can you expect to do every day? Select all that apply:
Teaching requires a lot of adaptability. You have to be able to attend meetings last minute, be on watch for students who are off-task in order to correct their behavior, and be able to change your lessons as you go, depending on how the students respond.
Did you know?
Social studies teachers get to use primary sourceswith their students. They get to teach with pictures, historical documents, maps, diaries, comics and more.
What do social studies teachers earn?
Teaching salaries can vary a lot depending on where you live and the type of school you work in, as well as your experience and qualifications.
In the USA, the average base salary for a social studies teacher is $51,883.
Photo by Ioann-Mark Kuznietsov on UnsplashIn Canada, the average base salary for a social studies teacher is $85,343.
Photo by British Library on UnsplashTake Action
Does teaching social studies sound like it might be the perfect job for you?
This Byte has been authored by
Kelly Lucot
Instructional Designer