The Department closely cooperates with the College of Education to prepare students to teach history and social studies in Iowa schools. In fact, our majors make up the largest proportion of the University’s social studies education program. Majors who participate in the Teaching Education Program must complete their history major (their history course work must include at least 18 semester hours in U.S. history [16A courses], and also at least 18 semester hours in non-U.S. history [16E and 16W courses], plus 15 semester hours in one of the following areas: American government, geography, economics, psychology, sociology, or anthropology. Completing a major and 15 semester hours in one or more of the above areas allows a certified teacher to teach these subjects in the State of Iowa.

The College of Education's adviser for history majors who are contemplating the Teaching Education Program is Professor Bruce Fehn (who is himself a historian--he has a Ph.D. in labor history). Majors are welcome to visit him on a walk-in basis during his office hours or by appointment. His office is at N285 LC.

The College of Education's handout, "Obtaining State of Iowa Certification to Teach History and Social Sciences," provides more details on the Teaching Education Program.