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.
Social studies teacher responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real social studies teacher resumes:
- 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.
- Work with younger JWLA award winners to harness their leadership skills.
- Plan and teach classroom and laboratory curriculum in chemistry and physics to secondary school students.
- Create and deliver stimulating, interactive lessons on history, civics, government, and politics.
- Advise a group of nine 8th grade students, and lead enrichment classes in drama and film.
- Implement daily geography lessons in addition to material cover in the standard curriculum to sharpen student's awareness of the world.
- Use a relevancy approach to demonstrate how history, law, politics, and economics impact the everyday lives of students.
- Develop curriculum for psychology and sociology program.
- Develop supplemental materials for math intervention program.
- Design and present lessons on economics and advertising.
Social studies teacher skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Social Studies Teachers are proficient in Classroom Management, World History, and Curriculum Development.
We break down the percentage of Social Studies Teachers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Classroom Management, 16%
Used positive and negative reinforcement strategies to maintain effective classroom management in order to utilize the maximum amount of instructional time.
- World History, 7%
Integrated literacy strategies and technological resources into the instructional framework of American and World History curricula.
- Curriculum Development, 6%
Customized various quantitative reports monthly to track student success, quality, and improvements through curriculum development.
- Professional Development, 6%
Developed instructional technology professional development, coordinated professional conferences.
- Student Learning, 5%
Position Description - Developing and presenting grade level and individualized curriculum to enrich student learning, understanding, and engagement.
- Classroom Environment, 4%
Designed and implemented a behavior modification system that motivated others and fostered a prosperous classroom environment for all learners.
"classroom management," "world history," and "curriculum development" are among the most common skills that social studies teachers use at work. You can find even more social studies teacher responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a social studies teacher to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what social studies teachers do because "teachers must share ideas with their students, other teachers, and school administrators and staff." Additionally, a social studies teacher resume shows how social studies teachers use communication skills: "fulfilled ancillary teaching responsibilities, including periodic parent-teacher communications, individual assessments of student development, and ongoing professional development requirements. "
The three companies that hire the most social studies teachers are:
- Connections Academy31 social studies teachers jobs
- California Academy of Sciences30 social studies teachers jobs
- K1215 social studies teachers jobs
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Compare different social studies teachers
Social studies teacher vs. Teacher associate
A teacher associate is responsible for assisting the teacher in classroom operations and providing teaching support for the students. Teacher associates develop learning materials according to the instructions of the headteachers, helping them to track students' progress and observing class behaviors. They also take class responsibility if the teacher is away, ensuring to keep activity records and attendance for reference. A teacher associate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in handling students' difficulties and working with the teacher to develop techniques to address those challenges.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, social studies teacher responsibilities require skills like "world history," "curriculum development," "professional development," and "student learning." Meanwhile a typical teacher associate has skills in areas such as "child care," "cpr," "child development," and "cleanliness." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Teacher associates really shine in the health care industry with an average salary of $32,745. Comparatively, social studies teachers tend to make the most money in the professional industry with an average salary of $48,550.teacher associates tend to reach lower levels of education than social studies teachers. In fact, teacher associates are 15.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Social studies teacher vs. Teacher
Being 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. Every teacher is unique and has their own teaching styles and methods depending on the subject they teach and the age of their students. Oftentimes they also function as a parent, counselor, coach, friend, and even a lawmaker. There is essentially no limit to the roles a teacher portrays.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that social studies teacher responsibilities requires skills like "world history," "social studies curriculum," "strong time management," and "instructional strategies." But a teacher might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "handle scheduling," "kids," "cpr," and "math."
On average, teachers earn a lower salary than social studies teachers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, teachers earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $49,700. Whereas social studies teachers have higher pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $48,550.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Teachers tend to reach lower levels of education than social studies teachers. In fact, they're 9.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for social studies teachers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Diana Jones
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University
Social studies teacher vs. History teacher
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.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, social studies teachers are more likely to have skills like "strong time management," "learning process," "language arts," and "administrative regulations." But a history teacher is more likely to have skills like "history curriculum," "art history," "student participation," and "student interest."
History teachers earn the best pay in the education industry, where they command an average salary of $51,944. Social studies teachers earn the highest pay from the professional industry, with an average salary of $48,550.Most history teachers achieve a similar degree level compared to social studies teachers. For example, they're 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Social studies teacher vs. French teacher
A french teacher specializes in teaching the french language among students. Although the extent of their responsibilities usually depends on their institution or company of employment, it usually includes preparing lessons and coursework plans, presenting audio and visual learning materials, organizing individual and group activities, administering examinations, grading quizzes and tests, and assisting students as necessary. Moreover, as a french teacher, it is essential to monitor the students' progress while maintaining a healthy and effective learning environment for everyone.
Types of social studies teacher
Updated January 8, 2025
