Postsecondary History Teacher Career Path in 2024

Postsecondary History Teacher Career Overview

Job Description:

Postsecondary History Teacher Job Description

As a Postsecondary History Teacher, your primary role is to impart knowledge and inspire students in the field of history at the collegiate level. This job comes with a diverse set of responsibilities that extend beyond just delivering lectures. Let’s delve into what you can expect in this engaging and intellectually stimulating career.

Teaching Responsibilities

Your main task is to teach history courses to undergraduate and graduate students. This involves:

Preparing and delivering engaging lectures on various historical periods, events, and figures.
Developing syllabi that clearly outline course requirements, grading criteria, and learning objectives.
Creating and administering assessments to evaluate student understanding and progress.
Holding regular office hours to provide additional support and guidance to students.
Staying current with new teaching methods and developments in the field of history to ensure a modern and dynamic classroom experience.

Research Obligations

Research is a significant component of a Postsecondary History Teacher's job. Responsibilities include:

Conducting original research in your area of historical expertise.
Publishing findings in academic journals, books, or online platforms.
Presenting research at conferences, seminars, and workshops.
Applying for grants and funding to support ongoing research projects.
Supervising student research projects and theses.

Administrative Duties

Postsecondary History Teachers often take on administrative roles within their departments, such as:

Participating in curriculum development and program review to enhance the department's offerings.
Serving on academic committees that make decisions on faculty appointments, departmental budgets, and institutional policies.
Advising students on academic matters, including course selection and career paths.
Contributing to the accreditation process by providing necessary documentation and reports.

Community Engagement

Engaging with the broader community is also a facet of this role:

Organizing public lectures, history workshops, or educational outreach programs.
Collaborating with local schools, museums, or historical societies to promote public interest in history.
Serving as a historical consultant for media or cultural institutions.

Professional Development

Continual professional growth is expected:

Attending workshops, webinars, and professional meetings to stay informed about pedagogical advancements.
Engaging in peer review processes for academic publications or conference proposals.
Networking with fellow historians to build professional relationships and collaborations.

For authoritative information on postsecondary education careers, you may visit U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or Chronicle of Higher Education, which offer resources and data pertinent to the field.

By understanding these various aspects of the job description for a Postsecondary History Teacher, you can better prepare yourself for a fulfilling career educating the next generation of historians.

How To Become a Postsecondary History Teacher

Pursuing a career as a postsecondary history teacher can be both intellectually rewarding and influential in shaping the perspectives of future generations. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to embark on this educational career path.

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

The first step is to earn a bachelor's degree, preferably in history or a related field. While enrolled:

Focus on courses in history, political science, and cultural studies to build a strong foundation.
Consider a minor or elective courses in education if you're already certain about pursuing teaching.
Maintain a high GPA, as this can be important for graduate school admissions.

Gain Experience

While academic knowledge is essential, practical experience can be equally valuable.

Volunteer or work as a tutor in history or related subjects.
Seek internships at museums, historical societies, or educational institutions.
Participate in academic clubs or organizations related to history or education.

Pursue a Graduate Degree

Most postsecondary institutions require teachers to hold at least a master's degree.

Research graduate programs that specialize in history or education.
Consider programs that offer teaching assistantships for hands-on teaching experience.
A Ph.D. is often required for tenure-track positions at universities.

Obtain Certification

While not always mandatory, obtaining teaching certification can enhance your qualifications.

Check the certification requirements for the state where you plan to teach.
Some institutions may require specific certifications for teaching at the college level.

Develop Teaching Skills

Strong teaching skills are crucial for becoming an effective history teacher.

Engage in public speaking clubs or workshops to improve presentation skills.
Learn different teaching methodologies and classroom management techniques.
Consider online courses or professional development workshops focused on pedagogy.

Network and Gain Professional Affiliations

Building a network can lead to job opportunities and professional growth.

Join professional associations like the American Historical Association (AHA).
Attend academic conferences and seminars to meet professionals and learn about new research in the field.
Connect with peers and mentors through social media and academic networking platforms.

Stay Informed and Continue Learning

Staying current with historical research and teaching methods is essential.

Subscribe to academic journals and publications related to history and education.
Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to refine your teaching approach.
Engage with scholarly communities to stay updated on historical debates and discoveries.

Apply for Postsecondary Teaching Positions

With the right qualifications and experience, you're ready to apply for teaching positions.

Prepare a strong CV highlighting your education, experience, and any publications or presentations.
Tailor your cover letter to each institution, emphasizing your passion for teaching history.
Reach out to your professional network for potential job leads or recommendations.

By following these steps diligently, you can position yourself as a competitive candidate for a postsecondary history teacher role. Remember that this career path requires not just a passion for history but also a commitment to ongoing learning and excellence in teaching.

Typical Tasks for Postsecondary History Teachers

Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as ancient history, postwar civilizations, and the history of third-world countries.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.

Technologies and Skills Used by Postsecondary History Teachers

Computer based training software

Learning management system LMS
Moodle

Electronic mail software

Email software
Microsoft Outlook

Word processing software

Google Docs
Microsoft Word

Basic Skills

Reading work related information
Talking to others

Problem Solving

Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

Teaching people how to do something
Understanding people's reactions

Postsecondary History Teacher Program FAQs

What educational background is required to become a Postsecondary History Teacher?

To become a postsecondary history teacher, you typically need to have at least a master's degree in history or a related field. However, many colleges and universities prefer candidates with a Ph.D. for full-time positions. Here's what you should consider:

Master's Degree: A Master of Arts in History or Master of Education with a focus on social sciences is often the minimum requirement for community colleges and some teaching positions.
Doctoral Degree: A Ph.D. in History is usually required for tenure-track positions at four-year institutions. It's also beneficial for career advancement.

Are there any certification or licensure requirements?

Certification and licensure requirements vary depending on the institution and the level at which you intend to teach. Generally:

High School Teaching: If you're teaching at the high-school level, state certification or licensure is typically required.
Postsecondary Level: For college and university level, no state certification is needed, but individual institutions may have their own criteria.

What skills are essential for a Postsecondary History Teacher?

A successful history teacher at the postsecondary level should possess a combination of hard and soft skills:

Content Expertise: Deep knowledge of historical content and research methodology.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly convey complex information to students.
Critical Thinking: Skill in analyzing historical data and presenting reasoned arguments.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to different teaching methods and student needs.
Organization: Proficiency in managing coursework, grading, and research responsibilities.

How long does it typically take to complete a Postsecondary History Teacher Program?

The duration of your education will depend on your starting point and the level of education you pursue:

Master's Program: Typically takes 2 years of full-time study.
Ph.D. Program: Usually requires an additional 4-6 years after obtaining a master's degree.

What kind of coursework can I expect in a Postsecondary History Teacher Program?

Your coursework will vary based on the program, but common themes include:

Historical Research Methods
Thematic and Period-Specific History Courses
Pedagogy and Teaching Strategies
Historiography
Dissertation or Capstone Project (primarily for doctoral programs)

Is it important to choose a specialization within history?

Yes, specializing can be very important, as it allows you to focus on an area of history that interests you most, such as:

Cultural History
Political History
Economic History
Specializations can make you more competitive for certain teaching positions that align with your expertise.

Are there any professional organizations I should join as a Postsecondary History Teacher?

Joining professional organizations can provide networking opportunities, resources, and continuing education. Consider these reputable organizations:

Can I teach online courses as a Postsecondary History Teacher?

Absolutely! Online education is growing, and many institutions offer online history courses. To teach online:

Be Comfortable with Technology: Familiarity with learning management systems and virtual communication tools.
Engaging Online Presence: Ability to create compelling content and foster student engagement in a digital environment.

Remember that qualifications for teaching online may mirror those of traditional classroom settings.

What is the job outlook for Postsecondary History Teachers?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow over the coming years. However, competition for tenured positions will remain high.

Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?

Yes, postsecondary history teachers can advance in several ways:

Tenure Track: Leading to job security and higher pay.
Administrative Roles: Such as department chair or dean.
Research Opportunities: Including publishing books or articles that contribute to academic discourse.

Professional development and continuous education are key for advancement in this field.