ACT-Houston
Houston 832-200-0552
Dallas 214-267-2222Austin 1-877-286-0024
Alternative Certification for Teachers
History (Grades 8-12) Teacher Certification
In order to obtain a an alternative teaching certification in history for grades eight through twelve, a thorough foundation in multiple history genres is expected. Educators need to be prepared with history subjects that are both of a wide and deep nature. The typical range expected of academic history subjects generally includes United States history, world history, state history and one or more specialty historical topics. The specialty can include a culture such as black history or Asian history or it can be very specific such as women’s history during a specific period in U.S. history.
Teaching history is not the traditional memorization of dates and events that it once was. Today’s teaching environment and trends in history education involves being more encompassing with history teaching. Connecting current events with historical issues or with other topics such as art, music, literature and science is important to providing a well-rounded lesson plan.
The availability of technology is also a great resource for history educators. In addition to the research material the internet can connect students with, the unprecedented availability of direct contacts provide the opportunity for more firsthand accounts. Instead of merely reading about a culture or about a person involved in a historically significant event, the internet can connect students with those who have truly experienced or else well informed about what the students are looking to learn about.
History teacher candidates will be subject to student teaching and internships. The middle school to high school age range for students will provide an interesting dynamic where students start to challenge the course of history and challenge the ideals and concepts of particular areas. It can also be difficult to retain the interest of students if they don’t see the connection between historical topics and their modern day interests. Alternative teaching certification candidates need to be able to share their passion for history combined with solid teaching skills in order to be effective.