History Teacher Course Requirements
Philosopher and historian Will Durant maintained that education is the transmission of civilization. History is the key to understanding both education and civilization. In the United States, each state has unique laws for certification of history teachers, but there are a number of courses that all states require.
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Elementary School Teachers
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Elementary history teachers are required to be generalists. They must take courses in World and American History. Student exposure to various cultures is important, so most programs require at least one course in World Cultures, Literature and the Arts.
American History Courses for Middle School Teachers
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Teachers of middle school history teach courses covering the curriculum standards of American History during the Colonial Period and the Civil War. Two American History survey courses usually meet the general certificate requirements.
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World History and Culture Courses for Middle School Teachers
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Since a general teaching certificate is issued for middle school, teachers must also take courses in ancient civilizations including Greece, Rome, Egypt, China, India, Mesopotamia, Kush and the Hebrews.
Courses for High School Teachers
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High school teachers must take courses preparing them to teach a full year in American History (from 1900 to the present) and World History. Additional courses are required to add a teaching specialty in Economics or Civics.
Methodology Courses
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Certification also requires a course in History Methodology, which is instruction in how to teach history to students.
Student Teaching
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Most states require at least a one-semester student teaching course in a History class at the grade level that certification will be made.
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Resources
- Photo Credit U.S. Library of Congress
