what is a history teacher?

As a history teacher, you teach history to students in secondary schools. Your job is to provide an overview of historical events to students. The history lessons you teach are all-encompassing, reviewing world events and their impacts on modern society. You help your students understand past events and apply the lessons learned to the modern world.

Aside from exploring the historical events of specific timelines or geography, you also perform the duties of a secondary school teacher. For instance, you maintain discipline and order in classrooms, prepare learning materials, grade assignments and exams, and evaluate students’ performance. Other duties include creating lesson plans for upcoming classes and organising extracurricular activities to improve students’ history knowledge. You could also be in charge of tracking the history of the school and updating publications that the school generates.

As a history teacher, you require extensive knowledge of history, from the state to national and international history. The ability to follow historical trends and changes helps you provide accurate information to students. Your desire to help students will be useful for assessing the performance of your students and adjusting the learning techniques to improve understanding.

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average history teacher salary

The typical remuneration package of a history teacher is $92,500 per year. Your earnings depend on experience and educational qualifications. Entry-level positions start with a salary of $88,000 annually, but experienced history teachers take home over $104,000 per year.

how to increase your salary as a history teacher

In an entry-level position, you start with a lower remuneration due to having minimal experience. As you gradually build your experience, you take home a higher salary. Improving your experience through casual work, volunteer programs, and practical teaching placements boosts your earning potential.

Your location in Australia may also influence your remuneration package as a history teacher. For instance, remote areas in rural mining communities tend to have a low demand for history teachers, which means your earnings are lower. Working in metro areas boosts your earning potential due to the increased demand for history teachers.

Working in private schools may also boost your earning potential. When you work in a public school, your remuneration is slightly lower due to the limited resources. A private school has better remuneration prospects due to the unlimited resources.

Want to know what you will earn as a history teacher? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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types of history teachers

As a history teacher, you can work in primary or secondary schools. As a primary school history teacher, you introduce history to primary school students. While you don’t teach complex historical concepts, you ensure students are curious about history and interested in exploring historical events in their surroundings.

As a secondary school history teacher, you follow the stipulated history curriculum to prepare students for examinations. You explore regional, national and world history through class discussions and group activities. Sometimes, you organise class trips to museums and historical sites to improve your understanding of history.

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working as a history teacher

If you are interested in becoming a history teacher, check out the following duties, responsibilities and work environments associated with the role.

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education and skills

If you want to become a history teacher in Australia, you require educational qualifications. You can take a direct path into teaching with a four-year bachelor’s degree in secondary education with initial teacher education (ITE). When you complete the bachelor’s degree with history and geography as a major, you qualify to tutor students in years 7 to 12.

When you already have a bachelor’s degree in a different course that doesn’t have a qualified teaching status, pursue a master of teaching humanities and social sciences. The role equips you with the relevant qualifications. You should also register with the relevant Teacher Registration Board in your state. For instance, register with TRBWA to work as a teacher in Western Australia. Most schools require you to pass a Working with Children Check and a Police Check before you can work with students.

history teacher skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a history teacher include:

  • communication skills: as a history teacher, you educate students and impart knowledge of various historical concepts. Your role relies on good communication skills to communicate effectively with kids of various ages.
  • empathy: if you want to relate with your students, it is important to show empathy. Putting yourself in your students’ shoes helps you explain difficult concepts better and helps them understand difficult lessons.
  • leadership skills: as a history teacher, you lead a group of students to the desired learning outcomes. You should motivate and inspire them to achieve their goals. Your leadership skills are also useful when guiding class discussions and going on history trips.
  • passion for history: as a history teacher, you explain historical concepts to students. Having a natural passion for history helps you explain historical events in an interesting manner that creates curiosity about various historical subjects.
  • research skills: as a history teacher, it is important to stay updated on trends and changes in historical events. You rely on your research skills to explore historical events and explain the concepts to students.
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FAQs about working as a history teacher

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a history teacher.

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