Social Science Teacher

<h2 id="section---IsBecomingASocialScienceTeacherForMe">Is Becoming a Social Science Teacher for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>As a social science teacher, you would teach students about the history and culture of the world. Some of the subjects you might teach include history, government, economics and psychology. If you're teaching kindergarten through high school grades, you would spend your workdays planning lessons, instructing students and interacting with parents and administrators. As a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Teaching_How_to_Become_a_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">teacher</a>, you would also keep up with the latest technology and developments in your field. If you work as a postsecondary teacher, you might work for a junior college, technical school or university. You would plan coursework, assess student development and assist them with their educational needs. </p> <h3 id="section---SalariesAndEmploymentOutlook">Salaries and Employment Outlook</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of kindergarten, elementary and secondary school teachers is projected to grow by 12% from 2012-2022, which is about average. During this time, employment of high school teachers was expected to increase 6%, which is slower than average, while faster-than-average growth in job opportunities of 19% was projected for postsecondary teachers. </p> <p>In May 2013, the BLS noted that the average annual salary for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_Job_Duties_Employment_Outlook_and_Educational_Requirements.html">kindergarten teachers</a> was $52,840, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Elementary_School_Teacher_Career_Profile_Occupational_Outlook_and_Education_Prerequisites.html">elementary school teachers</a> averaged $56,320, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Requirements_to_be_a_Middle_School_Teacher.html">middle school teachers</a> made $56,630 and secondary teachers earned an average of $58,260 per year. Postsecondary social sciences teachers earned an average annual salary of $79,490, reported the BLS. </p> <h2 id="section---HowDoIBecomeASocialScienceTeacher">How Do I Become a Social Science Teacher?</h2> <h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3> <p>If you're interested in becoming a social science teacher for grades kindergarten through twelve, you need at least a bachelor's degree. For postsecondary teaching, you need either a master's or doctoral degree. If you'd like to teach in public elementary and secondary schools, all states require you to obtain licensure. This requires at least a bachelor's degree, completion of a teacher training program and student teaching experience. To maintain your license, continuing education courses are usually required. </p> <h3 id="section---UndergraduatePrograms">Undergraduate Programs</h3> <p>Many universities offer bachelor's degree programs in social science that you can complete while fulfilling teacher education requirements. These program options can include a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Social_Sciences_Bachelors_Degree.html">bachelor's degree in social science</a> secondary education degree programs. Your studies may cover economics, sociology and politics. You can also explore geography, human behavior and cultural studies. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduateStudies">Graduate Studies</h3> <p>You can also find graduate degree programs in this field. Topics in a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Masters_Degrees_in_Social_Science_Program_FAQs.html">master's degree program in social science</a> might cover the human mind, teaching, worldwide views and social studies. Doctoral degree programs in social science have multiple seminars in research, as well as studies in multiple areas of science; you also usually need to complete a dissertation. Both graduate programs typically require completion of an internship.</p>