In a rapidly changing world, the role of educators in shaping students’ understanding of U.S. history and social studies is more critical than ever. For those who want to level up their understanding of teaching U.S. history in a focused and supportive environment, an advanced degree program like the online Master of Science in Education (MSEd.) in Teaching History from Northwest Missouri State University may be the right option.
An MSEd. in teaching history provides educators with the advanced skills and methodologies needed to engage students in meaningful learning experiences. These programs help prepare secondary school teachers, curriculum developers, consultants and administrators working across a variety of educational institutions. That means that graduates can look forward to varied and exciting job opportunities, allowing them to engage students with meaningful historical topics at every level.
The History Timeline in Social Studies Curriculum
Advanced degrees in teaching social studies and history equip teachers by covering foundational topics of utmost importance. This includes the formation of social studies curriculums and lesson plans that are adequate for various issues, objectives and pupils. The degree program at Northwest specifically offers courses like Trends and Issues in Curriculum and Instruction to prepare teachers for this task.
However, planning lessons is only part of the equation for successful social studies educators. History educators in the U.S. often deal with objections to their lesson plans, according to a report from the American Historical Association. Prepared educators can learn how to anticipate and diffuse conflict. Navigating the Classroom Crossroads: Strategies for Confronting the Issues in Secondary Social Studies Education is one course in Northwest’s program that equips teachers with this necessary skill set.
Teaching Strategies to Last a Lifetime
In addition to being problem-solvers, quality educators are curious and driven thinkers. When paired with practical strategies and tools for the classroom, this mindset creates positive results for learning institutions and students alike. Facing History & Ourselves offers a thorough overview of teaching strategies in its resource library that future history teachers may find useful and inspiring. While attention to assessment, critical thinking and cultural sensitivity are essential, other key factors for success as a history teacher include historical context, historical sources and professional development.
Technology is also a must-have tool to integrate into the 21st-century classroom. Teachers can use videos, animation and interactive maps to help students understand historical events and better learn complex topics. Simulations and virtual field trips allow students to explore historical sites and events in more interactive and compelling ways, and educators can utilize tools to further enhance instruction.
Lesson personalization allows teachers to respond and adapt to the needs of individual students. For this reason, digital learning platforms are highly popular among teachers, as they can not only track and assess how pupils meet learning objectives but also distribute information and provide extra resources when relevant.
Advance Your Knowledge as a History Teacher
Whatever approach a history teacher decides to take towards their topic, NWMSU’s online MSEd. in Teaching History program helps teachers further their self-development goals. The program offers specific courses on a range of U.S. history topics, as well as practical tools that help history teachers foster critical thinking, civic engagement and civil discussions in the classroom and beyond.
While this program does not offer initial teacher certification, it meets the credit hour requirement for graduates to teach dual credit history courses. The courses are taught by educational professionals and by practicing historians, empowering educators with new knowledge, skills and understanding to be better teachers.
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online Master of Science in Education in Teaching History program.
