History

Certification for Secondary Teaching

A history major planning to teach at the secondary level should choose courses according to interest, while keeping in mind  the importance of balance within the department. It is more than likely that a history teacher will teach a combination of  American, European, Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, or non-Western history. To be admitted to the teacher  education program, a student must present a 2.75 cumulative grade-point average and a 3.00 grade-point average in the  history program. Those planning to teach are required to take a minimum of nine courses in the department in addition to  HIS 440 Teaching History in Secondary School. Students who plan to pursue teacher certification must complete additional  course work in professional and general education. In addition, students must also complete courses in broadfield social studies, which  include economics, geography, political science, psychology and sociology/anthropology. See the Department of Education for a complete listing of broadfield courses.

Students seeking teacher certification must keep in contact with both the history and education departments. HIS 301 or 302  will fulfill the college requirements in American history for the certification of secondary teachers. HIS 116 is also a  requirement for secondary education.

Students are required to pass the Illinois Basic Skills Test to be admitted to the secondary certification program, the  appropriate content area test prior to the student teaching semester, and the APT (Assessment of Professional Teaching) test  prior to program completion.

See the director of secondary education for further information.