Social Studies Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of global interconnectedness, the role of social studies teachers holds significant importance.

As societies become more diverse, the demand for educators who can shed light on our social fabric, broaden our perspectives, and instill in us a sense of global citizenship heightens.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the key responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of social studies teaching,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable social studies teacher job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s get started.

Social Studies Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

Social Studies Teachers are responsible for teaching students about history, geography, politics, economics, and cultural development.

They create lesson plans, evaluate student performance, and facilitate a positive learning environment.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the school’s curriculum program
• Teaching students about different aspects of social studies, including history, geography, politics, and cultural diversity
• Assessing students’ academic performance, behavior, and social development
• Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles and needs
• Preparing and grading exams, assignments, and papers to evaluate students’ progress
• Communicating with parents and guardians to discuss students’ progress and behavior
• Participating in school activities, faculty meetings, and parent-teacher conferences
• Continually updating teaching skills and knowledge through professional development activities
• Using a variety of instructional strategies, such as inquiry, group discussion, lecture, discovery, etc. to ensure all students are actively engaged in learning
• Managing student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures

 

Social Studies Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Social Studies Teacher to educate students on the various aspects of culture, history, politics, and geography.

The Social Studies Teacher’s responsibilities include planning and delivering lessons, preparing educational materials, and grading student assignments.

Our ideal candidates have a strong understanding of national and global historical events, and the ability to effectively communicate complex social concepts.

Ultimately, the role of the Social Studies Teacher is to foster an environment where students develop a meaningful understanding of the intricacies of the social world around them.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive lesson plans that align with curriculum standards
• Engage students in learning through interactive and educational activities and discussions
• Assess and document students’ progress and provide grades and feedback
• Maintain a tidy and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning
• Communicate with parents about students’ progress and behavior
• Manage student behavior in the classroom by invoking approved disciplinary procedures
• Attend faculty meetings and participate in professional development activities
• Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet varying student needs

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Social Studies Teacher or similar role
• Valid teaching certification
• Bachelor’s degree in Education with a specialization in Social Studies or related field
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong understanding of teaching methodologies and learning styles
• Proficiency in classroom technology
• Demonstrated ability to educate in a creative and engaging manner

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Social Studies Teacher
• Work Environment: Educational setting. Some after-hours work may be required for grading and planning lessons.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Principal or Department Head.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and education sector considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 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 in our school. 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 teaching philosophy to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Social Studies Teacher Do?

Social Studies Teachers typically work in middle schools, high schools, or colleges where they educate students on various aspects of history, geography, politics, economics, and culture.

They create lesson plans, deliver lectures, and guide classroom discussions to facilitate understanding of the subject matter.

They often use a variety of teaching methods including visual aids, textbooks, interactive activities, and field trips to engage students and enrich their learning experience.

Their job also involves creating and grading exams, assignments, and projects to assess students’ understanding and progress in the course.

They provide feedback and assistance to students to help them improve their performance.

Social Studies Teachers may also supervise extracurricular activities and clubs related to social studies.

They collaborate with other educators and school administrators to ensure a comprehensive and balanced education for their students.

They play a vital role in helping students develop critical thinking skills, encouraging civic engagement, and fostering an understanding of global interconnections and diversity.

Moreover, they may also engage in research, attend professional development workshops, and stay updated on the latest teaching methods and trends in their field.

 

Social Studies Teacher Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Social Studies Teacher should possess skills and qualifications that meet the requirements of your job description, such as:

• Strong knowledge of social studies subjects, including history, geography, economics, and civics.
• Ability to create lesson plans that meet curriculum guidelines and students’ educational needs.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex concepts in a way that students can understand.
• Interpersonal skills to build a rapport with students, parents, and colleagues, and foster a positive learning environment.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and overcome challenges that students may face in their learning process.
• Organizational skills to manage grading, lesson planning, and classroom management effectively.
• Patience and empathy to understand and cater to the diverse needs of students.
• Creativity to make lessons engaging and interactive to stimulate students’ interest in social studies.

 

Social Studies Teacher Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Social Studies Teacher role often have at least 1 to 2 years of experience, which could be obtained through student teaching or assistant teaching roles in social studies.

They also must have an undergraduate degree in Education or Social Studies, with a focus on history, geography, economics, or related fields.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have often honed their teaching skills in an actual classroom environment.

During this time, they gain practical experience in lesson planning, classroom management, student assessment, and integrating technology into their teaching.

They might have taken on extra responsibilities such as coordinating social studies clubs or organizing field trips related to the curriculum.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field are generally considered seasoned professionals.

They often have additional experience or certifications, such as a Master’s degree in Education or National Board Certification.

At this stage, they may have held positions of leadership, such as Department Head or Curriculum Coordinator, and are well-prepared for mentorship or administrative roles in education.

 

Social Studies Teacher Education and Training Requirements

Social Studies Teachers typically require a bachelor’s degree in education, social studies, history, or a related field.

They need a strong knowledge base in various social studies areas such as history, geography, political science, and economics.

For higher education positions, a master’s degree or Ph.D. in education or a specific social studies discipline may be required.

All states in the U.S. require public school teachers to be licensed or certified in the grade level they will teach.

Typically, the licensure or certification criteria include having a bachelor’s degree, completing a teacher preparation program, and passing a background check.

Social Studies Teachers are also required to complete a student-teaching internship as part of their teacher education program.

Continuing education is often required to maintain a teaching license, and some teachers may also choose to earn a master’s degree to advance in their career.

Moreover, some teachers may choose to gain National Board Certification, which is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education.

Having a master’s degree, National Board Certification, and/or continued professional development can indicate a teacher’s dedication to their profession and ongoing learning.

 

Social Studies Teacher Salary Expectations

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

The actual income can fluctuate based on factors such as level of education, years of experience, and the location of the school district.

 

Social Studies Teacher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Social Studies Teacher need?

A Social Studies Teacher should have a deep understanding of history, geography, politics, and social dynamics.

They should be excellent communicators, capable of presenting complex information in a manner that students can understand.

They also need strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.

Organizational and lesson planning skills are also vital.

 

Do Social Studies Teachers need a degree?

Yes, Social Studies Teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree in education, social studies, or a related field.

Many schools also require teachers to be state-certified, which typically involves completing a teacher preparation program and passing a certification exam.

Some schools may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in education or a related field.

 

What should you look for in a Social Studies Teacher resume?

A resume for a Social Studies Teacher should show a strong educational background in social studies and education.

Look for experience in lesson planning, curriculum development, and classroom management.

Extra-curricular activities like leading clubs or tutoring can also be a good sign.

Make sure they have the necessary certification for your state or region.

 

What qualities make a good Social Studies Teacher?

A good Social Studies Teacher has a passion for their subject and the ability to inspire that passion in their students.

They are patient and understanding, able to work with students of varying abilities and backgrounds.

They are also adaptable, able to modify their teaching methods to suit individual student’s learning styles.

Good Social Studies Teachers should also keep up with current events and be able to apply them to their lessons.

 

How important is it for a Social Studies Teacher to incorporate current events into the curriculum?

Incorporating current events into the curriculum is crucial for a Social Studies Teacher.

It helps students understand the relevance of what they are learning and encourages them to think critically about the world around them.

Current events can serve as real-world examples of the concepts being taught and promote engagement and discussion in the classroom.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a social studies teacher.

Surprise!

It’s not solely about teaching facts and dates.

It’s about shaping the minds of future generations, one lesson at a time.

Equipped with our handy social studies teacher job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to precision-crafted job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson is a building block in the grand scheme of education.

Let’s mold the future. Together.

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