5 answers
Dante
Student
Hudson, New Hampshire
1
Question
Asked
568 views
What degrees/courses should I take to teach high school?
I'm currently enlisted and at the point where I can start college while in the military, I'm looking at how I could get started on a path to teaching social studies in a high school and haven't really been able to find concise answers online when looking at what degrees I should be looking to enroll in. I'm able to take 1 course for an associates degree to start out. I never looked into college while I was still in school so I'm honestly pretty lost in the sauce with how to start.
Login to comment
5 answers
Tony Roig
Volunteer
66
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hey Dante,
I think you will find the coursework across US universities and colleges required to be certified to teach social studies in HS pretty similar. So, take look at a few such colleges/universities around where you will be stationed and see the courses required in HS to get accepted. If you already have them, then you can just look at their courses for the first year as a college freshman and take one of those at any school. If you don't have the needed HS coursework, take a class in one youthw ones you seem to be missing. Lots of resources out there for you to research such as governments guides to occupations such as dictionary of occupational titles so just search on the web. Good luck
Tony
I think you will find the coursework across US universities and colleges required to be certified to teach social studies in HS pretty similar. So, take look at a few such colleges/universities around where you will be stationed and see the courses required in HS to get accepted. If you already have them, then you can just look at their courses for the first year as a college freshman and take one of those at any school. If you don't have the needed HS coursework, take a class in one youthw ones you seem to be missing. Lots of resources out there for you to research such as governments guides to occupations such as dictionary of occupational titles so just search on the web. Good luck
Tony
Tony Roig
Volunteer
66
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hey Dante,
I think you will find the coursework across US universities and colleges required to be certified to teach social studies in HS pretty similar. So, take look at a few such colleges/universities around where you will be stationed and see the courses required in HS to get accepted. If you already have them, then you can just look at their courses for the first year as a college freshman and take one of those at any school. If you don't have the needed HS coursework, take a class in one you seem to be missing. Lots of resources out there for you to research such as governments guides to occupations such as dictionary of occupational titles so just search on the web. Good luck
Tony
I think you will find the coursework across US universities and colleges required to be certified to teach social studies in HS pretty similar. So, take look at a few such colleges/universities around where you will be stationed and see the courses required in HS to get accepted. If you already have them, then you can just look at their courses for the first year as a college freshman and take one of those at any school. If you don't have the needed HS coursework, take a class in one you seem to be missing. Lots of resources out there for you to research such as governments guides to occupations such as dictionary of occupational titles so just search on the web. Good luck
Tony
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7220
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
A Good Day To You, Dante!
Path to Teaching High School Social Studies
To teach high school social studies, you will need to follow a structured educational path that typically includes obtaining a bachelor’s degree, completing a teacher preparation program, and acquiring state licensure. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:
1. Choose the Right Degree Program:
Bachelor’s Degree: Most states require teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree. For teaching social studies, you should consider majoring in education with a focus on social studies or history. Alternatively, you can major in history, political science, sociology, or another related field while also completing the necessary education courses.
Associate Degree: Since you’re starting with an associate degree, consider enrolling in an Associate of Arts (AA) program with a focus on liberal arts or education. This will provide foundational knowledge and transferable credits toward your bachelor’s degree.
2. Complete Required Coursework:
General Education Courses: These are often required for both associate and bachelor’s degrees and include subjects like English composition, mathematics, and sciences.
Core Social Studies Courses: Focus on classes that cover U.S. history, world history, government/civics, geography, and economics. These courses will prepare you for the content you’ll be teaching.
Education Courses: Look for courses that cover pedagogy (the art of teaching), classroom management, educational psychology, and curriculum development.
3. Teacher Preparation Program:
After completing your bachelor’s degree or during it if your institution allows dual enrollment in education courses, enroll in a teacher preparation program. This program typically includes:
Student Teaching Experience: A critical component where you gain hands-on experience in a classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher.
Educational Theory and Practice: Courses that teach effective teaching strategies specific to high school students.
4. Obtain State Licensure:
Each state has its own requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Generally, this involves:
Passing state-required exams (such as Praxis tests).
Completing background checks.
Submitting an application for licensure through your state’s department of education.
5. Consider Advanced Degrees:
While not immediately necessary to start teaching high school social studies, pursuing a master’s degree in education or a related field can enhance your qualifications and career prospects over time.
6. Continuous Professional Development:
Once employed as a teacher, engage in professional development opportunities such as workshops and conferences to stay current with educational practices and content knowledge.
By following these steps systematically—from starting with an associate degree to eventually obtaining your bachelor’s degree and licensure—you can effectively prepare yourself for a rewarding career as a high school social studies teacher.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
This organization provides standards for teacher preparation programs across the United States and outlines the necessary qualifications for educators.
2. U.S. Department of Education
The federal agency offers comprehensive information regarding educational requirements for teachers including licensure processes by state.
3. American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
This association focuses on improving educator preparation programs and provides resources on best practices in teacher training and certification requirements across various states.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=======================The Little Old Aussie Battler========================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Path to Teaching High School Social Studies
To teach high school social studies, you will need to follow a structured educational path that typically includes obtaining a bachelor’s degree, completing a teacher preparation program, and acquiring state licensure. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:
1. Choose the Right Degree Program:
Bachelor’s Degree: Most states require teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree. For teaching social studies, you should consider majoring in education with a focus on social studies or history. Alternatively, you can major in history, political science, sociology, or another related field while also completing the necessary education courses.
Associate Degree: Since you’re starting with an associate degree, consider enrolling in an Associate of Arts (AA) program with a focus on liberal arts or education. This will provide foundational knowledge and transferable credits toward your bachelor’s degree.
2. Complete Required Coursework:
General Education Courses: These are often required for both associate and bachelor’s degrees and include subjects like English composition, mathematics, and sciences.
Core Social Studies Courses: Focus on classes that cover U.S. history, world history, government/civics, geography, and economics. These courses will prepare you for the content you’ll be teaching.
Education Courses: Look for courses that cover pedagogy (the art of teaching), classroom management, educational psychology, and curriculum development.
3. Teacher Preparation Program:
After completing your bachelor’s degree or during it if your institution allows dual enrollment in education courses, enroll in a teacher preparation program. This program typically includes:
Student Teaching Experience: A critical component where you gain hands-on experience in a classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher.
Educational Theory and Practice: Courses that teach effective teaching strategies specific to high school students.
4. Obtain State Licensure:
Each state has its own requirements for teacher certification or licensure. Generally, this involves:
Passing state-required exams (such as Praxis tests).
Completing background checks.
Submitting an application for licensure through your state’s department of education.
5. Consider Advanced Degrees:
While not immediately necessary to start teaching high school social studies, pursuing a master’s degree in education or a related field can enhance your qualifications and career prospects over time.
6. Continuous Professional Development:
Once employed as a teacher, engage in professional development opportunities such as workshops and conferences to stay current with educational practices and content knowledge.
By following these steps systematically—from starting with an associate degree to eventually obtaining your bachelor’s degree and licensure—you can effectively prepare yourself for a rewarding career as a high school social studies teacher.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
This organization provides standards for teacher preparation programs across the United States and outlines the necessary qualifications for educators.
2. U.S. Department of Education
The federal agency offers comprehensive information regarding educational requirements for teachers including licensure processes by state.
3. American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
This association focuses on improving educator preparation programs and provides resources on best practices in teacher training and certification requirements across various states.
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|=========================James Constantine=============================|
|=======================The Little Old Aussie Battler========================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Jazmine Smith
College Counseling
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jazmine’s Answer
Hi Dante,
I was on the path to becoming a teacher and I can tell you what I know from my experience. There is multiple ways for becoming a teacher from my understanding. You can take test that show you are proficient in the subject matter and do some type of a program where they will allow you to do your field hours to earn the credential. There is also some universities that offer to teach you the material and complete the credential at the same time. Lastly, you could also major in social studies or something related to that field, you might have to take some tests, then again apply to a credential program to do your field hours. These are just the options based on my experience and each school might have different programs depending on what you want to do.
I was on the path to becoming a teacher and I can tell you what I know from my experience. There is multiple ways for becoming a teacher from my understanding. You can take test that show you are proficient in the subject matter and do some type of a program where they will allow you to do your field hours to earn the credential. There is also some universities that offer to teach you the material and complete the credential at the same time. Lastly, you could also major in social studies or something related to that field, you might have to take some tests, then again apply to a credential program to do your field hours. These are just the options based on my experience and each school might have different programs depending on what you want to do.
Michelle M.
Actress
2205
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Dante !
I can give you the requirements if you are going to study in New Hampshire, but you basically will have to know which state you will be studying in and then teaching in so you will take the required path and Certification process.
In New Hampshire, a Bachelors Degree at minimum is required. Your certification to teach is contained in the Education Major Program. That will provide you with the required specialized teacher certification and it's while you're going for your Bachelors Degree as an Education Major. That's what you'll need to teach high school in New Hampshire. If you decide to move and teach in a different state, you'll have to contact the college to ask for their catalog or read about their Education program on the college website.
If you go for a Masters Degree in any state, you would then be able to teach at a college, so it's something to consider after your Bachelors Degree or some time in the future. The Masters Degree would open additional doors for you in the job market.
It's a bonus that you are currently serving in the military. The military has a few programs that pay your student loans after you graduate. You can look these programs up online or ask someone where you are stationed: Public Service Loan Forgiveness , Army Student Loan Repayments, Air Force College Loan Repayment Program , Service-specific programs offered by the Army and Navy for student loan repayment. Whomever you ask on site about these, also ask about scholarships they have which can help you out.
Although your college will determine the specific courses you'll take as an Education Major, some of the useful or usual courses would be public speaking, psychology/early childhood development, psychology of adolescents, and courses in the subject you want to teach would be useful. Remember, each state and each college has different requirements which can be found at websites on line, so situate what state and college you want to study and work in. To do a search just type in "requirements for a Bachelors Degree in Education at 'name of college'" "how to become a high school teacher in "name of State'.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you well !
I can give you the requirements if you are going to study in New Hampshire, but you basically will have to know which state you will be studying in and then teaching in so you will take the required path and Certification process.
In New Hampshire, a Bachelors Degree at minimum is required. Your certification to teach is contained in the Education Major Program. That will provide you with the required specialized teacher certification and it's while you're going for your Bachelors Degree as an Education Major. That's what you'll need to teach high school in New Hampshire. If you decide to move and teach in a different state, you'll have to contact the college to ask for their catalog or read about their Education program on the college website.
If you go for a Masters Degree in any state, you would then be able to teach at a college, so it's something to consider after your Bachelors Degree or some time in the future. The Masters Degree would open additional doors for you in the job market.
It's a bonus that you are currently serving in the military. The military has a few programs that pay your student loans after you graduate. You can look these programs up online or ask someone where you are stationed: Public Service Loan Forgiveness , Army Student Loan Repayments, Air Force College Loan Repayment Program , Service-specific programs offered by the Army and Navy for student loan repayment. Whomever you ask on site about these, also ask about scholarships they have which can help you out.
Although your college will determine the specific courses you'll take as an Education Major, some of the useful or usual courses would be public speaking, psychology/early childhood development, psychology of adolescents, and courses in the subject you want to teach would be useful. Remember, each state and each college has different requirements which can be found at websites on line, so situate what state and college you want to study and work in. To do a search just type in "requirements for a Bachelors Degree in Education at 'name of college'" "how to become a high school teacher in "name of State'.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you well !