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How to hire a social science teacher

Social science teacher hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring social science teachers in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a social science teacher is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per social science teacher on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 274,840 social science teachers in the US and 83,146 job openings.
  • Daly City, CA, has the highest demand for social science teachers, with 1 job openings.
  • Chicago, IL has the highest concentration of social science teachers.

How to hire a social science teacher, step by step

To hire a social science teacher, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a social science teacher:

Here's a step-by-step social science teacher hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a social science teacher job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new social science teacher
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a social science teacher do?

A social science teacher teaches students about global social issues, social crises, and social progress. They provide information about subjects such as theology, geography, sociology, history, and politics. They also ensure students are aware of significant global issues such as fuel scarcity, global warming, and racism.

Learn more about the specifics of what a social science teacher does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your social science teacher job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a social science teacher for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect social science teacher also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    Here's a comparison of social science teacher salaries for various roles:

    Type of Social Science TeacherDescriptionHourly rate
    Social Science TeacherHigh school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.$17-35
    TeacherBeing a teacher is one of the most passionate professions, among others. Teachers educate, motivate, and guide every generation of learners to prepare them for the real world... Show more$15-33
    History TeacherA history teacher analyzes all resources and prescribed texts to create quality curricula and lesson plans, collaborate with other teachers, and learn from the classroom management techniques, teaching strategies, and methods. These professionals deliver engaging history-related lessons on various movements, periods, and other history-related figures and events... Show more$18-36
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Classroom Management
    • Philosophy
    • Professional Development
    • Curriculum Development
    • Instructional Materials
    • Student Learning
    • World History
    • Learning Environment
    • Student Achievement
    • English Language
    • Classroom Environment
    • Social Justice
    • Student Performance
    • Geography
    Check all skills
    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.
    • Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, base on research findings in sociology and relate disciplines.
    • Implement portfolio grading system in literature classes.
    More social science teacher duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your social science teacher job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A social science teacher can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, social science teachers' average salary in maine is 56% less than in maryland.
    • Seniority. Entry-level social science teachers 51% less than senior-level social science teachers.
    • Certifications. A social science teacher with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a social science teacher's salary.

    Average social science teacher salary

    $52,056yearly

    $25.03 hourly rate

    Entry-level social science teacher salary
    $36,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 18, 2025

    Average social science teacher salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Maryland$74,794$36
    2New York$67,672$33
    3Connecticut$65,890$32
    4Pennsylvania$65,090$31
    5Rhode Island$63,963$31
    6California$62,614$30
    7Washington$60,970$29
    8Ohio$60,875$29
    9Massachusetts$59,036$28
    10Illinois$54,644$26
    11Georgia$53,497$26
    12Michigan$47,722$23
    13Arkansas$46,912$23
    14Louisiana$46,687$22
    15Texas$46,333$22
    16Hawaii$45,722$22
    17Florida$45,356$22
    18Iowa$44,343$21
    19Missouri$44,298$21
    20West Virginia$43,237$21

    Average social science teacher salary by company

  4. Writing a social science teacher job description

    A social science teacher job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a social science teacher job description:

    Social science teacher job description example

    Job Title: 7/8th Grade Social Justice Illuminator (Teacher)

    Location: Bridgeport, CT - Upper

    2021- 2022 School Year

    About Capital Preparatory Schools

    Capital Preparatory Schools is a charter school management organization operating a network of educational communities. Our mission is to build a path where there was none. From its inception, the Capital Prep community—our scholars, parents, faculty, and staff—have committed to creating a compelling and meaningful educational experience. The Capital Preparatory Schools, has four school locations: one in Harlem, NY, one in Bronx, NY, and two locations in Bridgeport, Connecticut providing students in grades K–12 with a year-round, college-preparatory education that encourages students to become scholars and agents of change.


    Capital Preparatory Schools believes that all children, when given the right conditions and environment, will succeed and excel in their academic and social-emotional growth. This is achieved by blending elements of academic models that successfully support scholars from historically disadvantaged populations, with innovative approaches that get 100% of our graduates accepted to four-year colleges.


    Focusing on the key attributes of leaders, our learner expectations are designed to develop scholars who are:


    • Collaborators, by showing respect and cooperation to achieve individual and common goals,
    • Problem Solvers, by using appropriate personal and team strategies to address interpersonal, intrapersonal, and group conflicts,
    • Researcher/Information Processors, by looking for and listening attentively to important information and utilizing the information to make positive choices/decisions/conclusions,
    • Empathetic Citizens, by acting responsibly, safely and thoughtfully to create positive change for all members of the school, local, and global communities,
    • Pillars of Knowledge, by modeling the above expectations in our words, actions and goals.


    With the support of the Capital Prep team of skilled and compassionate educators, students realize their academic abilities, advocate for social justice and fulfill their civic responsibilities. As leaders of social justice, we expect our students to use their education to improve the lives of others.


    Capital Preparatory Schools is committed to teaching and learning that promotes the success of every student by:

    • Creating a safe and enjoyable educational environment that encompasses our social justice model and that ensures every graduate moves on to attend college;
    • Providing individualized instruction and enrichment opportunities for students to ensure that gifted students are challenged and struggling students are supported;
    • Hiring and growing quality teachers and leaders and empowering them to use their craft to inspire students to achieve at the highest levels.



    Illuminator at Capital Preparatory Schools

    Capital Preparatory Schools is committed to teaching and learning that promotes the success of every student by:

    • Creating a safe and enjoyable educational environment that encompasses our social justice model and that ensures every graduate moves on to attend college;
    • Providing individualized instruction and enrichment opportunities for students to ensure that gifted students are challenged and struggling students are supported;
    • Hiring and growing quality teachers and leaders and empowering them to use their craft to inspire students to achieve at the highest levels.


    Student achievement

    • Create a safe, effective, student-centered learning environment that fosters student curiosity;
    • Motivate students to put forth their best efforts in academics, athletics, activities, and personal conduct;
    • Support students to recognize their full potential in all areas of human development;
    • Build a bridge of communication and involvement with parents, families, and community leaders;
    • Analyze data and use it to inform and drive instruction.


    Professional development and learning

    • Attend all professional development trainings, data team meetings, and curriculum meetings;
    • Collaborate with peers and school leaders to improve instructional strategies, school climate, and leadership skills;
    • Participate in professional trainings to enhance knowledge as well as educational and leadership capabilities.


    Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

    • Team player and life-long learner
    • Receptive to ongoing feedback
    • Exemplary professional values
    • Three years of teaching experience (preferred)
    • Experience in analyzing data to drive instruction
    • Commitment to student engagement and student success
    • Bachelor’s degree, Graduate degree preferred;
    • Connecticut Teaching certification in the content area is required


    Compensation:

    Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Capital Preparatory Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package.

    This is a full-time, full-year exempt position.

    As an equal opportunity employer, we hire and promote without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.

  5. Post your job

    To find the right social science teacher for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with social science teachers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit social science teachers who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your social science teacher job on Zippia to find and attract quality social science teacher candidates.
    • Use niche websites such as k12jobspot, learn4good, serious teachers, teachingjobs.com.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting social science teachers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new social science teacher

    Once you have selected a candidate for the social science teacher position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new social science teacher. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a social science teacher?

Before you start to hire social science teachers, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire social science teachers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

The median annual salary for social science teachers is $52,056 in the US. However, the cost of social science teacher hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a social science teacher for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $17 and $35 an hour.

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