History Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era defined by global connectivity, the focus on history teachers has never been more important.

As the world progresses, the demand for insightful educators who can unravel, interpret, and secure our historical understanding grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a history teacher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of teaching history,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable history teacher job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

History Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

History Teachers are responsible for teaching students about historic events, figures, and periods.

They use their deep knowledge of history and effective teaching methods to foster a love for history and create engaging learning environments.

Here are some primary duties and responsibilities of a History Teacher:

• Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and provide individualized and small group instruction
• Establish and communicate clear learning objectives and develop grading criteria
• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities
• Instruct students on interpreting historical events and understanding the significant impacts on present society
• Evaluate students’ performance, assignments and papers, and provide feedback
• Maintain discipline in the classroom and enforce rules and regulations
• Guide and counsel students with academic problems and provide students with career educational guidance
• Stay updated with developments in subject area, teaching resources and methods

 

History Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable History Teacher to join our teaching team.

The History Teacher will be responsible for educating students about the various aspects of history, including different cultures, significant events, notable figures, and historical periods.

The successful candidate should be able to deliver engaging lessons, foster critical thinking, and inspire a love of learning about the past among students.

 

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver engaging lesson plans that cover various aspects of history.
• Encourage and promote critical thinking and analytical skills among students.
• Assess students’ progress regularly through tests, assignments and projects.
• Provide constructive feedback to students and parents.
• Maintain a positive, stimulating, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Stay updated with latest educational techniques and changes in curriculum.
• Participate in parent-teacher meetings and school events.
• Collaborate with colleagues to integrate complementary subjects.

 

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in History or a related field.
• State teaching certification is mandatory.
• Proven work experience as a History teacher.
• Strong knowledge of historical events, figures and cultures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and classroom management skills.
• Ability to develop and implement effective lesson plans.

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Employee assistance program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: History Teacher
• Work Environment: School setting, typically in a classroom.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Principal.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a History Teacher Do?

History Teachers typically work in middle schools, high schools, and colleges.

They can also work in museums, libraries, and other educational institutions.

They are responsible for teaching students about various historical events, eras, and figures, using a wide range of teaching methodologies such as lectures, discussions, and multimedia presentations.

History Teachers also prepare lesson plans, create and grade tests and assignments, and evaluate students’ progress.

They may also guide students in researching and writing about historical topics for projects and papers.

They use resources like textbooks, historical documents, and artifacts to provide a holistic understanding of the subject.

Furthermore, they often encourage critical thinking and analysis, aiding students to understand the causes and effects of historical events.

History Teachers also play a key role in helping students understand the relevance of history to current events and societal issues.

They may also mentor and provide guidance to students on their academic and career paths.

In addition to teaching, History Teachers also engage in continuing education to stay updated on recent research and findings in the field of history.

Some may also contribute to this field by conducting their own research and presenting it in academic journals or conferences.

 

History Teacher Qualifications and Skills

A successful history teacher should possess the qualifications and skills that align with your job requirements, such as:

• Strong knowledge of historical events, figures, periods, and cultures.
• Ability to develop and implement engaging and interactive lesson plans to inspire students and enhance their understanding of history.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex historical concepts in a way that is understandable and accessible to students with different learning styles.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, colleagues, parents and administrators.
• Strong organizational skills for preparing lessons, grading assignments, managing classroom activities and meeting curriculum standards.
• Patience and empathy to understand and address students’ difficulties and challenges in learning history.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to encourage students to examine historical events and develop their own viewpoints.
• Flexibility in adapting teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Possession of a valid teaching certification and a degree in History or a related field.

 

History Teacher Experience Requirements

History Teachers often obtain their experience through a combination of formal education and hands-on teaching practice.

The route usually begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in History or Education, followed by a postgraduate degree in Education or a teacher training program.

During these programs, prospective teachers gain practical experience through student teaching internships where they are guided by a mentor teacher.

This helps them to build their skills in lesson planning, classroom management, and effective teaching methods, which are vital for their job roles.

After qualification, it’s common for teachers to start in entry-level roles where they continue to gain experience and develop their teaching style.

These roles may last 1 to 3 years and could include responsibilities like assisting senior teachers, teaching small groups, or even leading their own classes.

Teachers with more than 3 years of experience usually have a deep understanding of curriculum development and instructional methods, and are well versed in creating engaging learning environments.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered for roles with greater responsibilities, such as Department Head, History Curriculum Specialist, or other leadership roles within the school.

They may also gain additional credentials or endorsements in specific areas of history, furthering their expertise and making them valuable assets in any educational institution.

 

History Teacher Education and Training Requirements

History Teachers typically have a bachelor’s degree in history or a related field.

In addition to the bachelor’s degree, they need a state-issued teaching credential, which generally involves additional coursework, student teaching experience, and passing a certification exam.

Many states require history teachers to complete a master’s degree in education or a related field within a certain number of years after beginning their teaching careers.

Continuing education is a requirement in many states for history teachers to maintain their certification.

These courses allow teachers to stay up-to-date on historical events and teaching methods.

History Teachers must also have a deep understanding of global and national history, and be proficient in explaining complex historical events and concepts in a way that’s easy for students to understand.

Some history teachers may choose to specialize in a specific area of history, such as American History, European History, or World History, and additional coursework or certification may be required for these specializations.

Furthermore, excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as patience, creativity, and the ability to engage students, are essential for this profession.

 

History Teacher Salary Expectations

A History Teacher earns an average salary of $61,660 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may fluctuate based on factors such as years of teaching experience, level of education, geographical location, and the type of educational institution.

 

History Teacher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a History Teacher need?

A History Teacher needs to have excellent communication skills to impart complex historical events and concepts to students in an understandable manner.

They need to have good organizational skills for planning lessons and grading assignments.

Also, they should possess a strong understanding of historical facts, theories, and interpretations.

Proficiency in research is also crucial for staying updated about recent developments in historical studies.

 

Do History Teachers need a degree?

Yes, History Teachers typically need a Bachelor’s degree in history or a related subject.

If they are teaching at a high school level, they may also require a teaching certificate or license, which involves education courses and student-teaching experience.

For those who wish to teach at the college level, a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in history or a related field is usually necessary.

 

What should you look for in a History Teacher resume?

A History Teacher’s resume should demonstrate a strong knowledge base in history and experience in teaching, which can be indicated by previous teaching roles, internships, or student teaching.

Look for a degree in history or a related field and any additional certifications, especially a teaching license if required.

Also, pay attention to any additional skills such as proficiency in a foreign language or experience with specific educational technology.

 

What qualities make a good History Teacher?

A good History Teacher should have a passion for history, and this enthusiasm should be evident in their teaching.

They need to be patient and understanding, as students may find some historical concepts challenging to grasp.

The ability to make connections between past and present, and to encourage critical thinking, is crucial.

They should be engaging and innovative in their teaching methods to make history classes interesting and interactive for students.

 

What are the daily duties of a History Teacher?

Daily duties of a History Teacher include preparing and delivering lectures on various historical periods or themes, grading student assignments and exams, and providing feedback.

They also plan class activities that promote student engagement, like discussions or group projects.

They may also need to collaborate with other faculty members on curriculum planning and participate in professional development activities.

Furthermore, they might be involved in extracurricular activities such as history clubs or field trips.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve journeyed through the annals of time to understand the true essence of being a history teacher.

Surprised?

It’s not just about lecturing on past events.

It’s about bringing history to life and molding the thought leaders of tomorrow, one lesson at a time.

With our ready-to-use history teacher job description template and real-life examples, you’re poised to make your next career move.

But why not go further?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating finely-honed job postings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson taught is a step towards shaping the future.

Let’s make history. Together.

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