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What is a social science teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Diana Jones

A social science teacher typically helps students learn subjects such as culture, politics, geography, history, and economics. They facilitate engaging classroom discussions and incorporate current events into their syllabi and lessons.

Oftentimes, a social science teacher holds debates among students, creates learning materials, and evaluates students with exams and other activities. They may also conduct immersive activities outside the classroom, such as field trips. A social science teacher has to be passionate about their discipline and committed to teaching students.

To be qualified for the job, a social science teacher is required to have a bachelor's degree in education majoring in history, geography, or related fields. They also have to secure relevant teaching licenses, which vary from state to state.

The skills needed to be a successful social science teacher are excellent communication skills, research skills, and up-to-date knowledge of current events. They also have to be culturally sensitive and respectful of students' different views and opinions.

What general advice would you give to a social science teacher?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
ScoreSocial Science TeacherUS Average
Salary
4.1

Avg. Salary $52,056

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.4

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.46%

Asian 3.60%

Black or African American 8.14%

Hispanic or Latino 11.83%

Unknown 3.97%

White 71.99%

Gender

female 52.60%

male 47.40%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
8.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Social science teacher career paths

Key steps to become a social science teacher

  1. Explore social science teacher education requirements

    Most common social science teacher degrees

    Bachelor's

    65.5 %

    Master's

    25.3 %

    Associate

    3.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific social science teacher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Classroom Management9.13%
    Philosophy6.91%
    Professional Development6.55%
    Curriculum Development5.58%
    Instructional Materials5.55%
  3. Complete relevant social science teacher training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New social science teachers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a social science teacher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real social science teacher resumes.
  4. Research social science teacher duties and responsibilities

    • Develop and continue to manage a collaborative after-school tutoring program for middle school mathematics students.
    • Attend and participate in IEP's meetings and parent conferences.
    • Advise students about educational issues such as class scheduling, study habits and career planning.
    • Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines and requirements of states and schools.
  5. Prepare your social science teacher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your social science teacher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a social science teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable social science teacher resume templates

    Build a professional social science teacher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your social science teacher resume.
    Social Science Teacher Resume
    Social Science Teacher Resume
    Social Science Teacher Resume
    Social Science Teacher Resume
    Social Science Teacher Resume
    Social Science Teacher Resume
    Social Science Teacher Resume
    Social Science Teacher Resume
    Social Science Teacher Resume
  6. Apply for social science teacher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a social science teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first social science teacher job

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Average social science teacher salary

The average social science teacher salary in the United States is $52,056 per year or $25 per hour. Social science teacher salaries range between $36,000 and $74,000 per year.

Average social science teacher salary
$52,056 Yearly
$25.03 hourly

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How do social science teachers rate their job?

-/5

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Social science teacher reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days

Cons

Administration, observations, being told what to teach and HOW to teach it, expecting us to participate in things we might not want to or have the time for, staff meetings with no substance


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2022
Pros

I would like to work. I do not like not working. I love being around people and still have a lot to offer.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Cons

Some students' non-challant attitude towards learning.

Pros

Ability to share knowledge and guide students in learning new things.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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