Become a High School History Teacher in Virginia

<p>High school teachers, specifically those who teach history, work with students between the grades of 9 and 12. These teachers have a number of different responsibilities, some of which include creating lesson plans, grading class work and exams, supervising students, preparing students for the remainder of their academic careers or the work force, and communicating with parents when necessary. There are different areas of history that high school teachers can teach, including American History and Ancient Civilizations. There are specific requirements for those interested in teaching history in Virginia. Find out more below. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree, teacher preparation program</td></tr> <tr><td> Exams Required </td><td> Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge, Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment-VCLA,</td></tr> <tr><td> Trainings </td><td> Child abuse recognition and intervention, first aid, and dyslexia training</td></tr> <tr><td> Certification Renewal Period </td><td> 5 years</td></tr> <tr><td>Renewal Requirements</td><td> 180 professional development points</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Salary (2018) </td><td> $68,770 (all high school teachers in Virginia)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> 8% (high school teachers nationwide)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3> <p>People who want to become high school history teachers in the state of Virginia will need to earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree, preferably in the area that the potential teacher would prefer to teach. A higher degree, such as a master's, may be beneficial later down the line as it could provide teachers with a wider pool of potential jobs. Students will also need to take a teacher preparation course. As a part of this educational experience, students will complete either a student teaching experience or an internship at the graduate level. </p> <h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3> <p>There are two tests history teachers will need to take before they can start teaching. The Praxis content test will qualify potential teachers in the specific area they wish to teach. To be certified in history and social sciences, a potential teacher will need to take the Social Studies: Content Knowledge test and score a minimum of 161 points to pass. Teachers will also have to take and pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment-VCLA. </p> <h3 id="section---AdditionalRequirementsForFirstLicensure">Additional Requirements for First Licensure</h3> <p>In addition to the education and exam requirements listed above, there are trainings required for teachers seeking an initial license. First, teachers will need to go through the Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Intervention training, provided by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Next, they will also need to attend emergency first aid training, and become certified in CPR and AED. Then there is Dyslexia Awareness training, which is also provided by the VDOE. </p> <h3 id="section---Applying">Applying</h3> <p>After completing the necessary schooling, testing, and training, potential teachers may be wondering what the next step is. Applying for an initial teacher's license can be done online, and a complete application is needed. The application fee will need to be sent in the form of a check or money order to the Treasurer of Virginia, and is $50 for those in the state. Official college transcripts will need to be sent from your college, and all assessment scores will be needed as well. </p> <h3 id="section---CertificationRenewal">Certification Renewal</h3> <p>In order to renew a teacher's license in the state of Virginia, teachers must meet a set requirement, and proof must be submitted to the VDOE. A renewal requires a total of 180 professional development points, which can be earned from a selection of eight options. These options include taking college classes at an accredited college or university, publishing an article, publishing a book, curriculum development, professional conference, an educational project, a professional development activity, or a mentorship.</p>