Perhaps someone can help me out here. I have been considering seriously becoming a history teacher, but I am confused as to what degree I should apply for. I have found Bach of Social Science majoring in history, or do I do a history degree with dipoloma of ed??? what are the requirements? also can anyone recommend a good university in NSW. I also hear that it is important to study another subject for teaching in high school, is this true? Im also interested as to why people became a history teacher in the first place.
A few ideas that may either help or confuse you...
I don't think it matters a whole lot what the degree is called. How it's structured is far more important.
Does it offer study in the areas of history in which you're interested? How much history is included in the degree - too little or too much? Is it a broad, generalist approach; or a closely focused, in-depth approach in limited areas? Can you specialise if you want (perhaps not ideal if you're heading towards secondary teaching)? Who is teaching each subject? Are they active researchers and /or considered leaders in their field? Is there an opportunity for post-grad study?
If you're looking at a concurrent education degree or diploma, consider how quickly you get out on prac or at least observation. The sooner the better to confirm the path you want to take
No doubt others can think of plenty more questions you could ask before signing up.
A second subject is pretty much essential - very few teachers have all history in their teaching load. At the very least, you could expect to be teaching junior HSIE with a fair slice of geography, civics and citizenship. Most history teachers would have either geography or English as a second subject but there are no restrictions. Just chose something you're going to be happy teaching!
The question of a "good" university is a contentious one. I'm not going to recommend one over another, but simply state that Macquarie was sensational for me with excellent lecturers and tutors. Some of my former students are at Sydney doing history teaching and love it there. Others are at Macquarie and ACU. All seem to really enjoy the unis they are at. Try getting out to the open days, have a look around and talk to the students on campus. The people there are usually the best advertisement.
Greg, Thanks for that information. It's much appreciated. Looks like I will have to do more research on the area of study i intend to focus on. Who would of thought applying for university could require so much homework. The open days sound like a must do. Once again thanks Greg, your help is much appreciated. Hopefully I can log back on soon with a choosen degree.
Why did I become a history teacher? Because without our history society is nothing and no progress can be made. A world without history is dangerous as no informed decisions can be made. The leaders of tommorrow ( our students) should understand our past, how it influences our future and have an empathy for all people. I think that's such an important lesson to teach our young ones.
I agree with Greg, I went to Macquarie and found it excellent. It makes sure you study a wide range of Histories and are thus really prepared to teach just about anything. I would do a degree where you take education subjects from the very first day. A tacked on Dip Ed can be hard to focus on and can be a very steep learning curve prac wise (my sister, who is also a teacher found this way difficult).
Above all, be prepared to teach anything the school timetabler throws at you. Since I began teaching (Hist/Eng major) I have taught geography, art, dance and will teach drama next year. On top of this, I've also been heavily involved with extra-curricula work....who said teachers don't earn their money!
