History Teachers, Postsecondary

Overview

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Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Examples

These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Yearly Salary

High: $141K
Median: $76K
Low: $37K

Demand

Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend

Core Tasks

  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as ancient history, postwar civilizations, and the history of third-world countries.
  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
  • Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
  • Review books and journal articles for potential publication.
  • Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
  • Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
  • Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
  • Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
  • Develop, maintain, and teach online courses.
  • Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
  • Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
  • Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
  • Participate in campus and community events.
  • Act as advisers to student organizations.
  • Teach community courses and speak to local groups and organizations.
  • Provide professional consulting services to government, educational institutions, or industry.

Technology Skills

Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Calendar and scheduling software
Calendar and scheduling software
Computer based training software
Sakai CLE
Data base user interface and query software
Database software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Geographic information system
Geographic information system GIS software
Information retrieval or search software
iParadigms Turnitin
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Map creation software
Map building software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Image scanning software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Web platform development software
JavaScript
Word processing software
Microsoft Word

Tools Used

Tool
Example
Audio and visual presentation and composing equipment
Computer projectors
Communications Devices and Accessories
Multi-line telephone systems
Components for information technology or broadcasting or telecommunications
Universal serial bus USB flash drives
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Student response systems
Consumer electronics
MP3 digital voice recorders
Data Voice or Multimedia Network Equipment or Platforms and Accessories
Conference telephones
Electronic reference material
Interactive maps
Office machines and their supplies and accessories
Laser facsimile machines
Photographic or filming or video equipment
Compact digital cameras

Top 10 Knowledge Required

History and Archeology
100%
Importance

Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

English Language
95%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

Education and Training
89%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Law and Government
83%
Importance

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Geography
81%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Sociology and Anthropology
72%
Importance

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

Computers and Electronics
67%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Philosophy and Theology
67%
Importance

Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

Communications and Media
63%
Importance

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Psychology
62%
Importance

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Top 10 Skills

Speaking
90%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension
85%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Learning Strategies
83%
Importance

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Writing
83%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Listening
80%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Instructing
80%
Importance

Teaching others how to do something.

Active Learning
78%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking
78%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Time Management
75%
Importance

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Judgment and Decision Making
73%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Top 10 Abilities

Oral Expression
95%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Expression
88%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Written Comprehension
83%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Deductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Speech Clarity
78%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Near Vision
70%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Problem Sensitivity
65%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Speech Recognition
65%
Importance

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Top 10 Work Activities

Getting Information
96%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
96%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
94%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Analyzing Data or Information
93%
Importance

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Training and Teaching Others
93%
Importance

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Thinking Creatively
90%
Importance

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Documenting/Recording Information
89%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
88%
Importance

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Processing Information
86%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
79%
Importance

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Develop instructional materials.
  • Teach humanities courses at the college level.
  • Guide class discussions.
  • Stay informed about current developments in field of specialization.
  • Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
  • Research topics in area of expertise.
  • Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
  • Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.
  • Prepare tests.
  • Evaluate student work.
  • Maintain student records.
  • Evaluate effectiveness of educational programs.
  • Develop instructional objectives.
  • Select educational materials or equipment.
  • Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
  • Advise students on academic or career matters.
  • Evaluate scholarly materials.
  • Supervise student research or internship work.
  • Direct department activities.
  • Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
  • Promote educational institutions or programs.
  • Perform student enrollment or registration activities.
  • Write grant proposals.
  • Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.
  • Create technology-based learning materials.
  • Teach online courses.
  • Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
  • Advise educators on curricula, instructional methods, or policies.

Education

Interests

Social
99%
Importance

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Investigative
78%
Importance

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Artistic
56%
Importance

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Conventional
51%
Importance

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Realistic
41%
Importance

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Enterprising
36%
Importance

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Values

Achievement
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Independence
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Working Conditions
79%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Recognition
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Relationships
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Support
48%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Colleges

SAGE Scholars Member Schools that offer majors leading to this career.

Adrian College
Adrian MI
Cairn University
Langhorne PA
Geneva College
Beaver Falls PA
Marywood University
Scranton PA
Rust College
Holly Springs MS
Springfield College
Springfield MA
University of Mary
Bismarck ND

Check out the College Search to see the full list of schools with majors for this career.