History Teacher in Kansas Career Overview
As a history teacher, your role extends beyond simply imparting knowledge about past events; you serve as a guide for your students, helping them understand the significance of history in shaping our present and future.
- You will engage students in discussions that foster critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging them to draw connections between historical events and current societal issues.
- Your responsibilities include designing lesson plans that align with state educational standards, delivering engaging lectures, and assessing student understanding through various evaluations.
- You will have the opportunity to bring history alive in the classroom, using diverse teaching strategies such as multimedia resources, field trips, and collaborative projects to enhance learning.
- In this position, you will also play a vital role in promoting civic awareness and social responsibility among students, guiding them to become informed and engaged citizens.
Teaching history gives you the ability to inspire a lifelong interest in the subject, empowering your students to appreciate cultural heritage, understand diverse perspectives, and learn from the successes and failures of the past. The impact you have can echo through generations, making the teaching of history not just a job, but a meaningful vocation.
History Teacher Salary in Kansas
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a History Teacher in Kansas
To become a History Teacher in Kansas, you will need to fulfill specific educational qualifications and complete requisite training. The following degree programs are commonly pursued:
History Teacher Education: This program typically combines a focus on historical content with pedagogical training. You will learn about various methods of teaching history and gain insights into curriculum development alongside obtaining your history knowledge.
History: Earning a Bachelor’s degree in History will provide you a strong foundation in historical events, movements, and analyses. This program emphasizes research, critical thinking, and communication skills related to the study of history.
History and Political Science: This interdisciplinary degree enriches your understanding of historical contexts by integrating political theory and practices. It prepares you to discuss the interplay between historical events and political systems extensively.
History and Philosophy of Science and Technology: This unique program explores the historical development of scientific thought and technological advancements. It equips you with a deeper understanding of the influences of science and technology on historical events and societal trends.
American History (United States): Pursuing a degree focused on American History will provide in-depth knowledge of the United States’ past, including its major events, figures, and cultural developments. This specialization will help you bring a comprehensive perspective to your teaching of American historical narratives.
In addition to these degree programs, you will also need to complete a teacher preparation program that involves practical training and student teaching experiences. This training is essential for obtaining the necessary licensure to teach in Kansas public schools.
Best Schools to become a History Teacher in Kansas 2024
Southern New Hampshire University
Liberty University
University of California-Los Angeles
American Public University System
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Pace University
- Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
History Teacher Required Skills and Competencies in Kansas
Strong Communication Skills: You must effectively convey complex historical concepts to students in an engaging manner. This includes both verbal and written communication for classroom discussions, assignments, and grading feedback.
Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze historical events, identify patterns, and motivate students to think critically about the implications of history is essential. You should encourage discussions that promote various perspectives.
Organization and Planning: You will need to create structured lesson plans, manage classroom activities, and evaluate student progress. Organization helps you execute these tasks efficiently to foster a conducive learning environment.
Adaptability: Being responsive to the diverse needs of your students is vital. You may need to adjust your teaching strategies based on the varying skill levels and interests of your students.
Cultural Awareness: Understanding and respecting diverse backgrounds and cultures will help you create an inclusive atmosphere that allows all students to engage with historical content meaningfully.
Classroom Management: You should develop effective techniques for managing classroom behavior and fostering a positive learning environment, ensuring all students feel safe and respected.
Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with educational technologies, including online resources and teaching tools, will enhance your teaching strategies and facilitate student engagement.
Research Skills: You need to stay current with historical research and educational methodologies. This enables you to provide up-to-date information and a variety of viewpoints in your lessons.
Empathy and Patience: Understanding students’ individual learning challenges is essential. Demonstrating patience allows you to build rapport and support their growth in understanding historical concepts.
Passion for History and Education: Your enthusiasm for both the subject matter and teaching will inspire and motivate your students to develop their interest in history.
Job Duties for History Teachers
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students.
Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Computer based training software
- Moodle
- Schoology
Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
Video creation and editing software
- Flipgrid
- Screencastify
Basic Skills
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- 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
Job Market and Opportunities for History Teacher in Kansas
The demand for history teachers in Kansas has remained steady, driven by a consistent need for qualified educators in social studies. As a result, you can expect openings in various school districts throughout the state.
While specific job openings may fluctuate, the overall trend indicates that positions for history teachers are regularly available, particularly in middle and high schools.
Rural areas of Kansas often experience shortages of teachers, including those specializing in history. This trend may present opportunities for you if you're open to relocating to less populated regions.
Urban centers such as Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City tend to have a higher concentration of educational institutions, which can lead to greater opportunities. These cities often have robust job markets with multiple public and private school options, expanding your prospects.
The state's commitment to educational improvement, part of its overall strategy for enhancing student performance, may result in increased hiring of teachers, including those in history.
Growth potential exists as more school districts prioritize providing comprehensive social studies education to meet state curriculum standards. This emphasis enhances opportunities for those seeking positions in this subject area.
Additionally, regional collaborations, such as partnerships between schools and local universities, focus on developing programs to inspire students in the humanities. Such initiatives can further amplify the demand for history educators in different contexts.
The increasing integration of technology in education could lead to roles beyond traditional teaching, including virtual instruction and online course development, expanding the scope of opportunities for history educators.
Networking with local teacher associations and participating in professional development can improve your chances of securing a position. Engaging with these organizations often opens up leads on job openings not publicly advertised.
Kansas is also home to numerous historical sites and museums, potentially providing opportunities to integrate local culture and history into your teaching, making history more engaging for students and appealing to prospective employers.
Top Related Careers to History Teacher 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a History Teacher in Kansas
Kansas State Department of Education
Explore the official site for essential information on licensure, state educational standards, and resources specific to teaching in Kansas.
Kansas State Department of EducationNational Council for History Education
A professional organization dedicated to promoting history education at all levels. They provide resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for history teachers.
National Council for History EducationAmerican Historical Association
This organization supports historians and history educators. You can find resources related to teaching history, including publications and access to historical archives.
American Historical AssociationNational Council for the Social Studies
Offers a variety of resources for social studies educators, including lesson plans, teaching standards, and access to professional development opportunities.
National Council for the Social StudiesTeaching History
A resource from the National Council for History Education that offers articles, teaching strategies, and lesson plans specifically for history educators.
Teaching HistoryKhan Academy
Provides free educational resources, including a wealth of video lessons and practice exercises focused on historical topics that can supplement your classroom teaching.
Khan Academy - World HistoryThe Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
A premier organization providing educational resources, including documents, lesson plans, and multimedia materials that focus on American history.
Gilder Lehrman InstituteThe Society for History Education
Focuses on promoting the importance of history education in schools. Offers resources for educators, including grant opportunities and conference information.
Society for History EducationHistorians on the Record (HoR)
A platform that allows teachers to connect with historians for resources and guest speaker opportunities to enrich classroom discussions.
Historians on the RecordThe Virginia Center for Digital History
Offers a variety of digital history resources, including lesson plans and historical documents that can be utilized in the classroom.
Virginia Center for Digital HistoryPBS LearningMedia: U.S. History
Provides access to thousands of free teaching resources, including videos, lesson plans, and interactive content specifically geared towards U.S. History education.
PBS LearningMedia
These resources will support your development as a history educator and enhance the learning experiences you provide to your students. Consider exploring these websites and organizations for further insights and opportunities in your teaching career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About History Teacher in Kansas
What qualifications do I need to become a History Teacher in Kansas?
To become a History Teacher in Kansas, you typically need a bachelor's degree in history, education, or a related field. Additionally, you'll need a teaching license from the Kansas State Department of Education, which requires passing relevant examinations and completing a teacher preparation program.What is the process for obtaining a teaching license in Kansas?
You will need to complete an accredited teacher preparation program, pass the required exams (such as the Praxis tests), and submit an application for your license to the Kansas State Department of Education. Background checks and fingerprinting are also necessary as part of the application process.What grades can I teach as a History Teacher in Kansas?
Depending on your endorsement, you can teach at different educational levels. Generally, a Secondary Education license allows you to teach grades 6-12. To teach at elementary levels, you would need to focus on a general education license with history as a subject endorsement.Are there opportunities for advancement within a teaching career?
Yes, there are several pathways for advancement. You may choose to become a department head, curriculum coordinator, or take on administrative roles such as assistant principal or principal. Additionally, pursuing further education, such as a master's degree, can open up more opportunities in educational leadership or specialized teaching roles.What skills are important for a History Teacher?
Key skills for a History Teacher include strong communication and presentation skills, critical thinking, patience, creativity in lesson planning, and the ability to engage and inspire students. Understanding diverse perspectives and fostering analytical skills in students are also vital.What are some common challenges faced by History Teachers?
Common challenges include managing a diverse classroom with varying learning styles, keeping students engaged in the material, and addressing sensitive historical topics that may provoke strong opinions. Balancing administrative duties with teaching responsibilities can also be demanding.How do I find a teaching job in Kansas?
Job listings can be found through various platforms such as the Kansas State Department of Education website, school district websites, and educational job boards. Networking with other educators and attending job fairs can also enhance your job search efforts.What is the salary range for History Teachers in Kansas?
Salary can vary based on factors such as experience, education level, and school district. On average, History Teachers in Kansas earn between $40,000 and $60,000 per year, with potential for increases based on tenure and additional qualifications.Are there professional organizations for History Teachers in Kansas?
Yes, several organizations advocate for history educators, such as the Kansas Council for History Education and the National Council for the Social Studies. These organizations offer resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.What resources are available for History Teachers to enhance their teaching?
Many resources are available, including online platforms, teaching materials, and professional development programs. Local universities often provide workshops, and national organizations offer conferences and teaching aids focused on history education.Is there a demand for History Teachers in Kansas?
While the demand for teachers can fluctuate based on various factors, there generally remains a consistent need for qualified educators in social studies and history across many districts in Kansas. Keeping abreast of job openings and local educational trends can help you understand the specific demand in your area.