3 answers
Brandon
Student
Glendale, California
1
Question
Asked
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Entering college this fall, high school history teacher is my goal, any advise on courses I should take?
I've seen my advisor, but she is just giving me general information. Wanted to know if theirs anything special I should be taking. #educator
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3 answers
Jose Guillermo Guerra Martinez
CONSULTOR Y CONFERENCISTA EN COACHING PARA EMPRENDER
1
Answer
Humble, Texas
Updated
Jose Guillermo’s Answer
Brando. I think is very good you are a goal in this part of your life. History teacher. I give you an advice . Try to kwow your strongness and weekness. And work on it. You can take some issues to start but try to focus in the relevant for you. I hope to help you to clarify mind.
Dr. James Zavala
Lieutenant Colonel
133
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Lorton, Virginia
Updated
Dr. James’s Answer
You want to be a high school history teacher and your still in high school. Why not ask the history teachers in the high school you are at for guidance? They are easily accessible to you and they would be more than willing to give you advice from their experiences (both good and bad). If you have been accepted into a college, you can also ask the history department the same questions. Never feel afraid to seek advice from those close to you. You may find out that they would appreciate it.
Michelle H.
Business Associate
38
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Brandon!
Former high school English teacher here! It's awesome that you want to teach--it's such an exciting and fulfilling career. Here's what I would recommend for some college classes/experiences that you should look into as you prepare to teach:
- Take a wide variety of history classes, particularly those aligned to the subjects you may be asked to teach. If you plan to stay in CA, you probably know a good bit about the curriculum from being a student! A lot of colleges will also have a recommended course sequence for students interested in teaching as a career.
- Develop a specialty in history that interests and excites you. Take advanced classes in this area, take on special projects, write a senior paper/thesis in this area if it's an option.
- For education, look for classes in curriculum development, assessment, classroom management, and child/adolescent development. I also recommend some general psychology and sociology classes.
- If your college also has a graduate school of education, see if there are opportunities for undergrads to take these classes.
- Start volunteering in schools! Work as a classroom tutor or aid. See if there is a mentoring or teacher-buddy program. If not, reach out to local schools and see if you can match with an interested teacher. If you maintain these relationships, you may get some opportunities to try out your own lessons.
- So much of teaching is about providing level-headed leadership. Get involved in a student organization and work toward earning a leadership role later in your college career. As a teacher, you will be called upon to work with people, make tough decisions, and set a direction for others. Getting some practice at this as a student-leader is valuable experience. Challenge yourself to learn to communicate effectively, de-escalate emotionally charged situations, negotiate, and make ethical decisions.
Best of luck to you on this exciting journey!
Former high school English teacher here! It's awesome that you want to teach--it's such an exciting and fulfilling career. Here's what I would recommend for some college classes/experiences that you should look into as you prepare to teach:
- Take a wide variety of history classes, particularly those aligned to the subjects you may be asked to teach. If you plan to stay in CA, you probably know a good bit about the curriculum from being a student! A lot of colleges will also have a recommended course sequence for students interested in teaching as a career.
- Develop a specialty in history that interests and excites you. Take advanced classes in this area, take on special projects, write a senior paper/thesis in this area if it's an option.
- For education, look for classes in curriculum development, assessment, classroom management, and child/adolescent development. I also recommend some general psychology and sociology classes.
- If your college also has a graduate school of education, see if there are opportunities for undergrads to take these classes.
- Start volunteering in schools! Work as a classroom tutor or aid. See if there is a mentoring or teacher-buddy program. If not, reach out to local schools and see if you can match with an interested teacher. If you maintain these relationships, you may get some opportunities to try out your own lessons.
- So much of teaching is about providing level-headed leadership. Get involved in a student organization and work toward earning a leadership role later in your college career. As a teacher, you will be called upon to work with people, make tough decisions, and set a direction for others. Getting some practice at this as a student-leader is valuable experience. Challenge yourself to learn to communicate effectively, de-escalate emotionally charged situations, negotiate, and make ethical decisions.
Best of luck to you on this exciting journey!