Steps to Become a Social Studies Teacher (Middle School)

For individuals who are enthusiastic about history, geography, and civics and who want to assist young students in understanding the world around them, teaching social studies in middle schools is a fulfilling career choice. If you enjoy working with kids and want to inspire the next generation to become informed and engaged citizens, this guide will walk you through the key steps to enter this profession.

Understanding the Role of a Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Social studies teachers in middle schools are essential in helping pupils understand the world. At this developmental stage, students begin forming opinions, questioning societal norms, and developing analytical thinking. Social studies teachers guide them through these early stages of civic and historical awareness.

Here’s what the role typically involves:

Teaching Core Subjects: This covers a range of topics, such as history, geography, government, economics, and cultural studies.
Creating Engaging Lesson Plans: Designs interactive lessons that include storytelling, debates, projects, multimedia content, and hands-on activities.
Encouraging Critical Thinking: This activity promotes analysis of historical events, evaluation of current issues, and respectful discussions on social topics.
Assessing Student Progress: This process uses quizzes, essays, presentations, and class participation to evaluate understanding and growth.
Supporting Diverse Learning Styles: Adapts teaching methods to reach visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners and supports students with different needs.
Building Citizenship and Social Awareness: This activity teaches the importance of civic responsibility, respect for others, and cultural diversity.
Collaborating with School Community: Works with other teachers, school administrators, and parents to support students’ academic and personal development.
Modeling Respect and Curiosity: Serves as a role model who encourages empathy, open-mindedness, and a desire to learn about different perspectives.

Key Takeaway: Middle school social studies teachers don’t just teach facts—they inspire students to think critically, understand diverse viewpoints, and become informed, engaged members of society.

Educational Requirements and Degree Options

The first major step in becoming a middle school social studies teacher is earning the right educational credentials. With an emphasis on topic knowledge and instructional strategies, most teaching occupations require at least a bachelor’s degree.

Common degree paths include:

Bachelor’s in Education (B.Ed.): Many aspiring teachers pursue a degree specifically in secondary or middle-level education, with a concentration in social studies.
Bachelor’s in History, Political Science, or Geography + Teacher Preparation Program: Some students major in a related content area and then complete a teacher preparation or certification program.
Integrated Teacher Preparation Programs: These combine subject-area studies with teaching courses and student teaching within a 4-year program.
Coursework Requirements: Programs typically include classes in educational psychology, classroom management, curriculum planning, and instructional methods, as well as history, civics, economics, and geography.
Minimum GPA and Field Hours: Most programs require a minimum GPA (often 2.5–3.0) and a certain number of classroom observation or practicum hours.

Some states also encourage or require a master’s degree after a few years of teaching, especially for continued licensure or advancement.

Key Takeaway: Earning a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, paired with coursework in teaching and social sciences, is essential for becoming a qualified and confident middle school social studies teacher.

Obtaining Teaching Certification and Licensure

Getting a teaching license or state certification is a crucial next step after receiving your degree if you want to teach social studies in middle schools. This process ensures that you meet the professional and legal requirements to teach in public schools.

Certification Steps (General Overview)

The exact steps vary by state, but most follow a similar process:

Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program: This can be part of your undergraduate degree or a separate post-baccalaureate or alternative program.
Pass Required Exams: Most states require passing scores on one or more standardized exams. These often include:
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators – includes math, reading, and writing.
Praxis II: Social Studies Content Knowledge – tests your subject-area expertise
State-Specific Exams – such as the TExES (Texas) or CSET (California)
Apply for State Licensure: Submit your application to the state’s Department of Education. This typically includes:
Transcripts from your degree program
Proof of completed teacher preparation
Background check and fingerprinting
Test scores and application fee
Complete Student Teaching Requirement: States generally require a full-term supervised student teaching experience as part of your application.
Maintain and Renew Your License: Licenses are usually valid for a set number of years (often 3–5), and teachers must complete continuing education or professional development hours to renew them.

Alternative Certification Pathways

For career changers or those with a non-education degree, many states offer alternative certification programs. These allow you to:

Teach while completing coursework
Earn your certification on an accelerated timeline
Work in high-need subject areas or underserved schools

Key Takeaway: Getting certified to teach social studies in middle school involves passing exams, completing a teacher prep program, and meeting your state’s licensing requirements. This ensures you’re fully equipped to lead a classroom with confidence and credibility.

Gaining Practical Experience Through Student Teaching

Student teaching is one of the most important and formative parts of becoming a middle school social studies teacher. It bridges the gap between academic preparation and real-world classroom experience, giving you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in a supervised setting.

Most teacher preparation programs include a full semester of student teaching, usually in your final year of study. During this time, you’re placed in a middle school classroom under the guidance of an experienced mentor teacher.

What Student Teaching Involves:

Classroom Observation: You begin by observing your mentor teacher to understand how they manage lessons, transitions, and student interactions.
Assisting with Instruction: Gradually, you’ll help with grading, lesson prep, and small group instruction to gain confidence.
Leading the Class: Eventually, you’ll take over full teaching responsibilities—planning lessons, delivering instruction, managing classroom behavior, and assessing student work.
Receiving Feedback and Evaluation: Your mentor teacher and a university supervisor will regularly observe your teaching and provide constructive feedback to help you improve.
Developing Classroom Management Skills: You’ll learn how to keep students engaged, handle disruptions, and create a respectful learning environment.
Reflecting on Your Practice: Many programs require journaling, self-assessments, or discussions with supervisors to help you reflect on what’s working and where you can grow.

Tips for Making the Most of Student Teaching:

Be open to feedback and willing to try new strategies
Build strong relationships with your mentor teacher and students
Ask questions and observe different teaching styles
Treat it like a real job—it’s often the key to your first teaching position

Key Takeaway: Student teaching provides essential, hands-on experience in a real classroom, helping you build confidence, develop effective teaching strategies, and prepare for the full responsibilities of leading your own middle school social studies class.

Continuing Professional Development and Career Growth

Becoming a certified teacher is just the beginning of your professional journey. To stay current, meet renewal requirements, and grow in your career, ongoing development is essential. Middle school social studies teachers are encouraged—and often required—to continue learning and improving their practice.

Ways to Continue Growing as a Teacher:

Attend Workshops and Conferences: Participate in local or national events focused on new teaching strategies, curriculum updates, and classroom technology.
Earn a Master’s Degree: Pursuing a graduate degree in education, curriculum design, or a content area can result in prospects for advancement and increased income.
Gain Additional Certifications: To broaden your teaching skills, consider endorsements in areas like ESL, special education, or gifted education.
Join Professional Organizations: Groups like the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) offer resources, networking, and professional development opportunities.
Explore Leadership Roles: With experience, teachers can become department chairs, instructional coaches, curriculum coordinators, or even move into school administration.

Key Takeaway: Lifelong learning is part of being an effective teacher. By investing in your professional development, you enhance your teaching and open doors to leadership and specialized roles in education.

Conclusion

Becoming a middle school social studies teacher requires dedication to education, a passion for social studies, and a commitment to helping young learners grow. By following these steps—from earning your degree to gaining certification and practical experience—you can build a fulfilling career shaping future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What subjects does a middle school social studies teacher cover?

They typically cover history, government, geography, economics, and cultural studies.

How long does it take to become certified to teach?

It usually takes four years to finish the requirements for a bachelor’s degree and certification.

Can I teach social studies without a degree in education?

In some cases, yes—through alternative certification programs—but a degree in education or a related field is highly recommended.

Do I need to pass exams to become a licensed teacher?

Yes, most states require passing exams like the Praxis to demonstrate subject knowledge and teaching skills.

What are some ways to advance my career as a social studies teacher?

You can pursue graduate degrees, additional certifications, or leadership roles in education.

Additional Resource

Teach.org — Information on teacher certification and career pathways