Become a History Teacher
Major in History with a Secondary Education Emphasis
Interested in teaching history? Certification to teach at the secondary level in Oregon is achieved through completing an Initial Teaching License program, such as George Fox’s MAT program. If you’re a history major and plan to pursue a career in secondary education, you should prepare for that certification while still in the undergraduate program.
You will work with your advisor to choose history courses that best support your career goals. In addition to those history courses, the following courses are strongly recommended:
- EDUC 250 Teaching as a Profession
- PSCI 150 Introduction to Political Science
- PSCI 190 American Government
We also recommend the following courses for those who desire further preparation:
Double Majors/Minors
Work with your advisor to select a minor or additional major in another area you would like to teach. Prospects of being hired after graduation are better for those who can teach in more than one content area. Social studies is often paired with language arts, especially in middle school. Other marketable concentrations include ESL (ESOL) and mathematics.
Examinations
To be licensed to teach in Oregon, majors need to pass the CBEST or Praxis I exam by the first semester of their senior year before they apply to graduate school. Also, the following exams are required for licensure and must be completed prior to student teaching (and sooner is better):
- : Multiple Subjects Exam, subtests I and II
- : Specific Subject Assessment exam for social science, which includes history (50%), geography and culture (19%), American government and political theory (19%), and economics (12%)
- : Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment
Additional information may be acquired by meeting with Kipp Wilfong, the George Fox admissions counselor for the MAT program.
Kipp Wilfong
Admissions Counselor, Graduate Education Programs