Top 11 High School History Teacher Certifications

Certifications are important for high school history teachers in the job market because they demonstrate a teacher's knowledge, skill level, and commitment to the profession. Certifications provide evidence that a teacher has completed specialized training or coursework specific to teaching history. This shows potential employers that the teacher is knowledgeable about their subject matter and is up-to-date on best practices in education. In addition, many states require certification for high school teachers, so having this credential can make a candidate more competitive in the job market. Having certifications also demonstrates that a teacher is dedicated to their career and willing to take the necessary steps to further their professional development.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications available to high school history teachers and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are High School History Teacher Certifications?

High school history teacher certification is a credential that is required for individuals who wish to teach history in high schools. It is usually offered by state-approved teacher education programs and involves a combination of coursework, field experience, and student teaching. This certification helps to ensure that teachers have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach high school history courses.

High school history teacher certification can help teachers gain an in-depth understanding of various historical topics and prepare them for the demands of teaching high school students. It also allows teachers to develop a comprehensive curriculum that meets local, state, and national standards for student learning. Additionally, having this certification can provide teachers with more job opportunities and give them greater confidence when applying for positions. Finally, it may help teachers stay up to date on the most current educational trends and research related to instruction in history content areas.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the state requirements for high school history teacher certification before beginning your coursework. Each state has its own set of qualifications and requirements for certification, so it is important to know what is needed in order to be successful.

Related: What does a High School History Teacher do?

Top 11 High School History Teacher Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to High School History Teachers today.

1. Teaching Certification in History

Teaching Certification in History is a credential that certifies an individual to teach history at the secondary school level. It is typically obtained through a state-approved teacher education program and requires completion of coursework, student teaching, and passing scores on required exams.

How long does it take to get it?

The amount of time required to obtain Teaching Certification in History varies by state and by program. Generally, most states require between one and two years of study for certification. This includes completing courses in history, educational theory, psychology, and other topics related to teaching. Additionally, many states require student teaching experience as part of the certification process.

How to get it?

In order to obtain Teaching Certification in History, individuals must first complete a state-approved teacher education program. Most states require that applicants have earned at least a bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in history or a closely related field prior to enrolling in the program. Once enrolled, students must complete courses in history, educational theory, psychology, and other topics related to teaching as well as student teaching experience before they can be certified. Additionally, most states require applicants to pass certain exams before they are eligible for certification.

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining Teaching Certification in History varies depending on the state and the program chosen by the applicant. Generally speaking, the cost of tuition for such programs ranges from several hundred dollars up into the thousands depending on the length of study required and other factors such as location and type of institution attended. Additionally, some states may also charge fees for taking required exams or for obtaining certification itself.

2. Bachelor's Degree in Education with a Concentration in History

A Bachelor's Degree in Education with a Concentration in History is an undergraduate degree program designed to prepare students for teaching history at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. This program typically takes four years to complete and requires a combination of classroom instruction, field experience, and student teaching.

In order to get a Bachelor's Degree in Education with a Concentration in History, students must first complete the required courses for their major. These courses may include classes such as American History, World History, Historical Methods & Research, and Teaching Social Studies. After completing these core courses, students will then choose electives related to their concentration in history. Elective options may include topics such as Ancient Civilizations, European History, or Modern U.S. History.

In addition to coursework, students must also complete field experiences and student teaching requirements before graduating with their degree. Field experiences involve observing experienced teachers in action while student teaching involves taking on the role of teacher under the guidance of an experienced mentor teacher.

The cost of obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Education with a Concentration in History can vary depending on the institution you attend and whether you are attending full-time or part-time. Generally speaking however tuition for this type of program will range from $5,000 - $20,000 per year depending on your school choice and residency status.

3. Master's Degree in Education with a Concentration in History

A Master's Degree in Education with a Concentration in History is an advanced degree program designed to prepare students for teaching history at the secondary and post-secondary levels. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of different cultures, countries, and civilizations, as well as the skills needed to effectively teach this subject. The program typically takes two years to complete and includes coursework in areas such as historical research methods, historiography, and pedagogy. Students may also choose to specialize in a particular area of history or take elective courses related to their interests.

The cost of the program varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, tuition fees range from $10,000-$20,000 per year for public universities and up to $30,000 or more per year for private institutions. Additional fees such as books and supplies may also apply.

In order to get a Master's Degree in Education with a Concentration in History, applicants must have earned a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. They must also submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions along with standardized test scores (such as GRE or MAT) and letters of recommendation from former professors or employers. Additionally, most programs require students to complete a teaching practicum prior to graduation.

4. State Teaching Credential for High School History

A State Teaching Credential for High School History is a credential issued by the state in which an individual teaches that indicates they have met the requirements to teach history at the high school level. It typically takes two years of college coursework and student teaching experience to obtain this credential, although some states may require additional courses or exams.

In order to obtain a State Teaching Credential for High School History, individuals must first complete a bachelor's degree in history or a related field from an accredited college or university. After completing the degree, individuals must then complete a teacher preparation program approved by their state’s department of education. This program typically includes coursework in teaching methods and educational theory as well as supervised student teaching experience. Finally, individuals must pass any required state exams before being eligible for the credential.

The cost of obtaining a State Teaching Credential for High School History varies depending on where you live and what type of program you choose. Generally speaking, tuition costs for teacher preparation programs range from $5,000-$20,000 depending on the length of the program and whether it is taken online or in-person. Additionally, there may be fees associated with taking any required state exams.

5. National Board Certification for High School History

National Board Certification for High School History is a voluntary, advanced teaching credential that recognizes accomplished teachers who meet high and rigorous standards. It is awarded by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to teachers who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills, and practice in the field of history.

To obtain National Board Certification for High School History, teachers must complete a series of assessments that measure their content knowledge, pedagogical practices, and ability to positively impact student learning. This process typically takes two to three years to complete and requires a significant amount of effort and dedication on the part of the teacher.

The first step in obtaining National Board Certification for High School History is to create an account on the NBPTS website and submit an application. Once approved, applicants can begin the certification process by completing the required assessments. These assessments include written responses, video recordings of classroom activities, student work samples, and more. The assessments are scored by trained assessors who evaluate each submission based on established standards set forth by the NBPTS.

Once all assessments have been completed successfully, applicants will receive their certification from the NBPTS. The cost of obtaining National Board Certification for High School History varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges between $2,000 - $4,000 USD including application fees and assessment costs.

6. Advanced Placement Certification for High School History

Advanced Placement (AP) Certification for High School History is a program designed to provide high school students with the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of college-level material in history. This certification is offered by the College Board, which administers the AP exams.

To get an AP Certification for High School History, students must take and pass the AP exam in that subject. The exam covers topics such as world history, American history, and European history. The exam is typically taken at the end of a student’s senior year of high school and consists of multiple-choice questions and two essay questions. To pass the exam, students must score a 3 or higher on a 5-point scale.

The cost of taking an AP Exam depends on where you live and how many exams you take. Generally speaking, it costs around $94 per exam in the United States and Canada, but this can vary depending on location.

In order to prepare for an AP Exam in High School History, it is recommended that students review course materials from their classes throughout the year as well as use outside resources such as textbooks and online study guides to help them understand key concepts. Additionally, some schools offer tutoring services or prep courses specifically designed to help students prepare for the AP Exam in High School History.

Overall, obtaining an Advanced Placement Certification for High School History requires dedication and hard work but can be extremely rewarding if successful!

7. International Baccalaureate Certification for High School History

International Baccalaureate (IB) Certification for High School History is an internationally recognized program that allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the history of different nations and cultures. The IB program requires students to take courses in world history, European history, and other related topics. Students must also complete a research project or essay on a chosen topic.

The IB program typically takes two years to complete. During this time, students must take six courses in total – three at the Higher Level (HL) and three at the Standard Level (SL). Each course requires 150 hours of study time. In addition, all students must write an extended essay and take part in a Theory of Knowledge course.

To get certified with the IB program, students must first register with their local school or college. Once registered, they will be given access to resources such as textbooks and online materials that will help them prepare for their exams. Additionally, many schools offer tutoring services for those who need extra help preparing for their exams.

The cost of the IB certification varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, tuition fees for the two-year program range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD per year plus any additional fees associated with books or tutoring services.

8. Social Studies Content Knowledge Exam (Praxis II)

The Social Studies Content Knowledge Exam (Praxis II) is an assessment designed to measure an individual’s knowledge of the content and concepts of social studies. It is a computer-based test that consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours and fifteen minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as history, economics, geography, political science, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other related fields.

In order to take the Praxis II Social Studies Content Knowledge Exam, you must first register with Educational Testing Services (ETS). You can do this online or by mail. Once you have registered, you will need to pay a fee of $120 for the test. After registering and paying the fee, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to schedule your exam date and time.

The Praxis II Social Studies Content Knowledge Exam is offered in most states throughout the year at various testing centers. The cost of taking the exam varies from state to state but generally ranges from $50-$150 depending on where you take it. In addition to the registration fee for the exam itself, there may be additional fees associated with scheduling or rescheduling your exam date or location.

Once you have taken the Praxis II Social Studies Content Knowledge Exam, your score will be available within 10-15 days after completing the test. Depending on your performance on the exam and what state requirements are necessary for certification in social studies teaching positions, you may need to retake it in order to pass it.

9. Gifted and Talented Endorsement for High School History

Gifted and Talented Endorsement for High School History is an endorsement program designed to recognize high school students who have demonstrated a superior level of knowledge in the area of history. This endorsement is awarded by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and is recognized by many colleges and universities as a sign of excellence in the field of history.

The Gifted and Talented Endorsement for High School History requires students to demonstrate their knowledge through a series of tasks, such as writing essays, taking tests, or completing projects. To qualify for this endorsement, students must meet certain criteria established by the NAGC. These criteria include having a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher, demonstrating advanced critical thinking skills, and showing an understanding of historical events and concepts.

It typically takes about one year to complete all requirements for the Gifted and Talented Endorsement for High School History. Students must complete all tasks within that time frame in order to receive the endorsement.

There are no costs associated with getting the Gifted and Talented Endorsement for High School History; however, students may need to purchase textbooks or other materials related to their studies in order to successfully complete the tasks required by the NAGC. Additionally, some schools may require students to pay a fee in order to take part in the program.

In order to get this endorsement, students should contact their school's guidance counselor or history teacher for more information on how they can apply. They should also research any additional requirements that may be needed in order to obtain this recognition from the NAGC.

10. Special Education Endorsement for High School History

Special Education Endorsement for High School History is a certification that allows teachers to teach history in special education settings. It is offered by the state's department of education and requires completion of additional coursework and field experience.

It typically takes two years to complete the requirements for this endorsement, including taking classes in special education, educational psychology, and teaching methods specific to special education. In some states, there may also be additional requirements such as passing an exam or completing a practicum.

To get the Special Education Endorsement for High School History, you must first meet all of the requirements set forth by your state's department of education. This includes completing the necessary coursework and field experiences as well as passing any required exams or completing any other necessary requirements. Once these have been met, you must apply for the endorsement through your state's department of education.

The cost of getting this endorsement varies depending on the state in which you are applying. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $100-$500 depending on what courses are required and how much time it takes to complete them.

11. ESL/ELL Endorsement for High School History

ESL/ELL Endorsement for High School History is a certification that allows teachers to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Language Learners (ELLs) in high school history classes. This endorsement recognizes the unique skills and knowledge required to effectively teach students with limited English proficiency.

It typically takes one to two years of coursework and field experience to complete the requirements for an ESL/ELL Endorsement for High School History. In order to obtain this endorsement, teachers must first have a valid teaching license in their state. They must then take additional courses that focus on teaching methods and strategies specifically designed for ESL/ELL students, as well as complete field experience hours working with these students.

The cost of obtaining an ESL/ELL Endorsement for High School History will vary depending on the state in which you are seeking the endorsement, as well as the institution where you complete your coursework. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$3000 to get this endorsement.

Do You Really Need a High School History Teacher Certificate?

Yes, I believe that a high school history teacher certificate is an important qualification for any educator. A high school history teacher must have a deep understanding of the subject matter and be able to effectively communicate it to their students. Without the proper certification, a teacher may not possess the necessary qualifications to teach this course in a competent manner.

High school history teachers are tasked with helping students understand the past and its relevance to the present. To do this, they must have a comprehensive knowledge of world events, dates, and people. They must also be able to explain historical events in an engaging way so that students can better comprehend them. This requires an in-depth understanding of historical events as well as how they shape our current society. A high school history teacher certificate provides proof that an individual has met these requirements and is qualified to teach this subject matter.

Moreover, having a high school history teacher certificate demonstrates dedication to the profession and commitment to continuing education. Many states require teachers to keep up with current trends and new developments in order to maintain their certification status. As such, having this credential shows that an individual is committed to staying up-to-date on all aspects of their field which can increase confidence among parents, administrators, and other educators alike.

Overall, having a high school history teacher certificate is essential for any educator looking to teach this subject matter at the secondary level. It proves that an individual has met all necessary qualifications and can provide quality instruction in an engaging way. It also demonstrates dedication to continuing education which can inspire trust among parents and colleagues alike. For these reasons, I believe that having a high school history teacher certificate is essential for anyone looking to pursue this profession

Related: High School History Teacher Resume Examples

FAQs About High School History Teacher Certifications

1. What qualifications are needed to become a high school history teacher?

Answer: A high school history teacher must possess at least a bachelor's degree in history or a related field, as well as a valid teaching license from their state. Some states also require additional certification and/or tests in order to teach history at the high school level.

2. How do I obtain a teaching license for high school history?

Answer: Depending on your state, the process of obtaining a teaching license for high school history may involve completing an approved teacher preparation program, passing specific exams, and submitting an application with your state department of education.

3. Are there any special requirements for teaching world or American history?

Answer: Yes, some states have specific requirements for teaching world or American history at the high school level, such as completing coursework related to those subjects or passing additional exams. Check with your state department of education for more information about these requirements.

4. Is there any financial aid available for teachers pursuing certification in high school history?

Answer: Yes, there are several options available to help finance the cost of obtaining certification in high school history. These include federal grants and scholarships, private loans and grants, and tuition reimbursement programs offered by some employers. Additionally, many states offer loan forgiveness programs specifically designed for teachers pursuing certification in certain areas of study.

5. What type of professional development opportunities are available for certified high school history teachers?

Answer: Professional development opportunities vary by state but may include workshops on best practices in classroom instruction and curriculum design; seminars on educational technology; conferences focused on innovative approaches to teaching; and mentorship programs that offer guidance from experienced educators. Additionally, many schools provide online courses and webinars that can help keep certified teachers up-to-date on current trends in education and best practices in the classroom.