Social Studies 5-12 Certification

Ed 507.27  Social Studies Teacher For Grades 5-12.  The following requirements shall apply to the certification of a social studies teacher for grades 5-12:

          (a)  To be certified as a social studies teacher for grades 5-12, the candidate shall:

(1)  Have at least a bachelor’s degree;

(2)  Qualify for certification under one of the alternatives in Ed 505.01 – Ed 505.05, including completion of at least 10 courses or the equivalent in social studies at an institution approved by the New Hampshire postsecondary education commission or equivalent regional accrediting agency such as but not limited to the Northeast Regional Association of Schools and Colleges; and

(3)  Meet the requirements of (b) and (c) below.

          (b)  In compliance with RSA 193-C:3, IV(f) and consistent with RSA 193-C:3, III, a candidate for certification as a social studies teacher for grades 5-12 shall demonstrate competency in the teaching of social studies, including techniques for enhancing student learning in this area and the use of assessment results to improve instruction.

          (c)  A candidate for certification as a social studies teacher for grades 5-12 shall have the following skills, competencies and knowledge, gained through a combination of academic and supervised practical experience, in the following areas:

(1)  In the area of content, the ability to explain the importance of knowledge in each of the following areas, including ways in which each subject area provides insight into contemporary society:

a.  Civics;

b.  Economics;

c.  Geography;

d.  United States and New Hampshire history; and

e.  World history and contemporary issues;

(2)  In the area of content, the ability to exhibit knowledge of the basic concepts, generalizations, and issues of the subject areas, including an in-depth understanding of at least 2 of the following subject areas, one of which shall be d. or e.:

a.  Civics;

b.  Economics;

c.  Geography;

d.  United States and New Hampshire history; and

e.  World history and contemporary issues;

(3)  In the area of related subject content, the ability to explain the importance of at least one of the following behavioral sciences including ways in which it provides insight into contemporary society:

a.  Anthropology;

b.  Psychology; or

c.  Sociology;

(4)  In the area of content, the ability to demonstrate the research methodology of professionals in at least one of the 5 subject areas referred to in (c)(1) above, or a related social studies subject area;

(5)  In the area of pedagogy, the ability to:

a.  Design social studies unit plans which contain a central theme, issue, or question that coherently links to daily lessons;

b.  Develop social studies lessons which integrate materials and concepts from 2 or more social studies strands listed in (1);

c.  Develop social studies lessons integrating materials and concepts from outside the social studies;

d.  Design learning activities which employ research methods unique to the social sciences;

e.  Demonstrate the capacity to use a variety of social studies learning activities and techniques in order to:

1.  Foster the practice of democratic processes and decision making;

2.  Provide exposure to multiple interpretations and thoughtful exchange of competing viewpoints;

3.  Explore social issues;

4.  Develop and utilize community resources and community projects;

5.  Develop critical thinking, using a variety of instructional methods;

6. Assess how factual information, opinion, entertainment, and advertising are presented differently in various media; and

7.  Promote oral and written expression through various forms of analysis; and

f.  Promote adolescent literacy by using literacy strategies in order to foster comprehension and develop social studies skills; and

(6)  In the area of professionalism, the ability to:

a.  Develop an understanding of the organizations, agencies, and resources which contribute to the professional growth of the social studies teacher, including how to access the current and best practices in the social studies field;

b.  Understand the differences between middle school, junior high school, and high school philosophies and practices; and

c.  Understand the purpose of an integrated and articulated K-12 social studies curriculum.

Source.  #7274 eff 7-1-00, EXPIRED: 7-1-08

New.  #9525, eff 8-14-09