How to Teach Foreign Policy to High School Students

Most students first start learning something about foreign policy in high school. This is where students are introduced to such concepts as the Department of State, the function of the Executive branch of government, the role of Congress and how treaties are made. Early opinions on foreign policy are also formed at this age. If you would like to teach foreign policy to high school students, there are a few things you should do to prepare.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Teach Foreign Policy to High School Students

1. Get credentials. You must have a teaching certificate in order to teach high school. State guidelines for teaching certificates vary, so be sure to check with your local school district for requirements.
2. Find the right teaching job. Foreign policy falls under the broad spectrum heading of social studies. Depending on the school to which you apply, high school social studies classes could include civics, political science, American government and international relations.
3. Be aware that you might have to choose your own textbooks. Most schools have required books from which you will teach. If yours does not, you will have to consult one or more textbook catalogues to find the foreign policy books you want to use in your class.
4. Give students a broad overview of how foreign policy fits in to American government. This will include teaching them about the role of Congress and the president in determining foreign policy as well as how the Department of State works.
5. Try to remain objective. As a high school teacher, it is your job to give students enough information to form their own opinions. While you can certainly tell them what you think about an issue if they ask, refrain from presenting a biased lecture. Remain neutral and encourage discussion of the topic in class.
6. Encourage outside reading. Let students know where they can get more information on foreign policy. Direct them to newspapers and magazines that have well researched and clearly presented foreign policy sections.

Tips & Warnings

• At a minimum, you need to have a bachelor's degree in order to teach high school.
• Most states do not require you to be an education major in order to get a teaching certificate. Many states allow you to teach on a temporary certificate with a bachelor's degree in any subject. You then participate in the local school district's teacher preparation program to become fully certified.
• Offering extra credit for doing outside reading on foreign policy is a good way to prompt students to do so.