History Teachers, Postsecondary

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Education & Library
• O*NET-SOC code: 25-1125
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as ancient history, postwar civilizations, and the history of third-world countries.
• 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.
• 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.
• Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
• Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
• Review books and journal articles for potential publication.

Tools and technology

Google Docs, JavaScript, Learning management system LMS, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Blackboard Learn, Calendar and scheduling software, Carousel slide projectors, Collaborative editing software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
• Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
• Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
• Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
• English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
• Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
• Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: History Teachers, Postsecondary — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.