What is a history teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Dr. Diana Jones
introduction image

A history teacher teaches students at different levels history and how society has evolved over the years. As a history teacher, it is expected that you possess a wide knowledge of history and have an interest in passing them on to students. You will also assess students' knowledge through several methods. Your work as a history student is to help students understand human communities from the past to the present. You will also discuss with students how cultures have changed over time and their impact on present-day society.

The educational requirement to work as a history teacher is a bachelor's degree in history and completion of a teacher education program. You should also possess strong communication skills and good interpersonal skills. Good knowledge of various teaching methods and an ability to spike interest in students may also be necessary.

A history teacher is also expected to be organized and be excellent with time management. The average salary of a History teacher is about $61,660 per year.

What general advice would you give to a History Teacher?

D

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn Profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
ScoreHistory TeacherUS Average
Salary
4.2

Avg. Salary $53,780

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
8.4

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.45%

Asian 3.59%

Black or African American 8.04%

Hispanic or Latino 11.70%

Unknown 3.97%

White 72.25%

Gender

female 42.76%

male 57.24%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
8.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.3

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.9

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

History Teacher career paths

Key steps to become a history teacher

  1. Explore history teacher education requirements

    Most common history teacher degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.5 %

    Master's

    24.2 %

    Associate

    3.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific history teacher skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Classroom Management15.34%
    Instructional Materials8.07%
    Student Learning6.83%
    Professional Development6.69%
    World History6.44%
  3. Complete relevant history teacher training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New history teachers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a history teacher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real history teacher resumes.
  4. Research history teacher duties and responsibilities

    • State test scores are over achieving in the subject of U.S. History in all areas, including ESL.
    • Manage FBLA, assist with meeting notes, financial records, and agendas for meetings, events, and fundraisers.
    • Teach 8th grade social studies, which include history, geography, economics and government.
    • Assist regular education teachers in utilizing all sources of student data to support student modifications and IEP's.
  5. Prepare your history teacher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your history teacher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a history teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable History Teacher Resume templates

    Build a professional History Teacher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your History Teacher resume.
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    History Teacher Resume
  6. Apply for history teacher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a history teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First History Teacher Job

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Average history teacher salary

The average History Teacher salary in the United States is $53,780 per year or $26 per hour. History teacher salaries range between $38,000 and $76,000 per year.

Average History Teacher Salary
$53,780 Yearly
$25.86 hourly

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How do history teachers rate their job?

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History Teacher reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days

Cons

Administration, observations, being told what to teach and HOW to teach it, expecting us to participate in things we might not want to or have the time for, staff meetings with no substance


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2022
Pros

I would like to work. I do not like not working. I love being around people and still have a lot to offer.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Cons

Some students' non-challant attitude towards learning.

Pros

Ability to share knowledge and guide students in learning new things.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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