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Social studies teacher vs history teacher

The differences between social studies teachers and history teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a social studies teacher and a history teacher. Additionally, a history teacher has an average salary of $53,780, which is higher than the $49,725 average annual salary of a social studies teacher.

The top three skills for a social studies teacher include classroom management, world history and curriculum development. The most important skills for a history teacher are classroom management, instructional materials, and student learning.

Social studies teacher vs history teacher overview

Social Studies TeacherHistory Teacher
Yearly salary$49,725$53,780
Hourly rate$23.91$25.86
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs94,08765,399
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a social studies teacher do?

Teachers that specialize in human society are called social studies teachers. Usually, they are found at a high school and secondary school level. They teach concepts of history, geography, government, economics, and civic ideals. Their duties include assigning and grading homework, writing, and grading tests and essays as well as engaging students with lectures and relevant activities. Skills needed for the job include an analytical mind, service-oriented, and organized. They must also be highly knowledgeable about social sciences and has a field related degree to social study.

What does a history teacher do?

A 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. Moreover, history teachers grade tests, exams, presentations, assignments, and quizzes and call parents and other staff members to schedule interventions and discuss concerns. Also, they use digital technology to keep accurate learners' records and improve learning.

Social studies teacher vs history teacher salary

Social studies teachers and history teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Social Studies TeacherHistory Teacher
Average salary$49,725$53,780
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $67,000Between $38,000 And $76,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYBaltimore, MD
Highest paying stateWashingtonHawaii
Best paying companyBoston Public SchoolsBoston Public Schools
Best paying industryProfessionalEducation

Differences between social studies teacher and history teacher education

There are a few differences between a social studies teacher and a history teacher in terms of educational background:

Social Studies TeacherHistory Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorHistoryHistory
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Social studies teacher vs history teacher demographics

Here are the differences between social studies teachers' and history teachers' demographics:

Social Studies TeacherHistory Teacher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 51.6% Female, 48.4%Male, 57.2% Female, 42.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between social studies teacher and history teacher duties and responsibilities

Social studies teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead co-taught classes with another teacher.
  • Develop and continue to manage a collaborative after-school tutoring program for middle school mathematics students.
  • Develop curricula for, and teach all , 7th & 8th grade language arts and social studies classes.
  • Prepare students for the AICE college level exam.
  • Teach theory and attitudes of leadership to the students.
  • Instruct students at various levels and abilities in civics and law.
  • Show more

History teacher example responsibilities.

  • State test scores are over achieving in the subject of U.S. History in all areas, including ESL.
  • Manage FBLA, assist with meeting notes, financial records, and agendas for meetings, events, and fundraisers.
  • Teach 8th grade social studies, which include history, geography, economics and government.
  • Assist regular education teachers in utilizing all sources of student data to support student modifications and IEP's.
  • Lecture on the core topics of history as well as philosophy and economics
  • Create and implement a syllabus cater to the need of ESL students.
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Social studies teacher vs history teacher skills

Common social studies teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 16%
  • World History, 7%
  • Curriculum Development, 6%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Student Learning, 5%
  • Classroom Environment, 4%
Common history teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 15%
  • Instructional Materials, 8%
  • Student Learning, 7%
  • Professional Development, 7%
  • World History, 6%
  • Public Schools, 6%

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