Social Studies License

Teaching Standards

Standard 1: Teachers of social studies understand the ideals, principles, and practices of citizenship in a democratic republic and can use this knowledge to create meaningful learning experiences for students (civics ideals and practices).

Standard 2: Teachers of social studies understand the way human beings view themselves in and over time and can use this experience to create meaningful learning experiences for students (historical perspectives).

Standard 3: Teachers of social studies understand the nature and distribution of Earth's people, places, and environments and can use this knowledge to create meaningful learning experiences for students. Natural and human resources affect how people interact with their environment and each other (geographical perspectives).

Standard 4: Teachers of social studies understand how people create and change structures of power, authority, and governance and can use this knowledge to create meaningful learning experiences for students (government and citizenship).

Standard 5: Teachers of social studies understand why and how people organize for the production, exchange, and consumption of goods and services and can use this knowledge to create meaningful experiences for students (economics).

Standard 6: Teachers of social studies understand global connections and interdependence and can create meaningful learning experiences for students (current events).

Standard 7: Teachers of social studies understand individual development and identity and can use this knowledge to create learning experiences designed to promote student growth and reflection (psychology).

Standard 8: Teachers of social studies understand interaction among individuals, groups, and institutions and can use this knowledge to create meaningful learning experiences for students (sociology).

Standard 9: Teachers of social studies understand culture and cultural diversity and can use this knowledge to create meaningful learning experiences for students (world cultures).

Standard 10: Teachers of social studies understand the value of using high quality instructional resources, including technology, in teaching.

Standard 11: Teachers of social studies create and develop a dynamic learning environment that is characterized by positive, productive, and healthy interactions.

Standard 12: Teachers of social studies understand and use both formal and informal assessment methods to obtain useful information about student learning and development.

Standard 13: Teachers of social studies reflect on their practice, on students' performance, and on developments in the field to continue their own growth as teachers.

Required Testing for Indiana Licensing
PRAXIS I ( Reading, Writing, Mathematics)
PRAXIS II (Social Studies: Content Knowledge 10081)

• Successful completion of performance assessments through Phases 1, 2, and 3
• Minimum of “C” in required courses in the major and licensing programs
• 2.5 minimum GPA in major, all licensing areas, and overall

Courses required for the licensing major:

Supporting Areas:
Students choose two supporting areas from the following list and complete all indicated courses: the supporting areas include Political Science, Psychology, Economics, and Sociology. In addition, candidates must have at least one class in each social studies area; the required courses are listed under “Breadth” below and include GEO 101.

Sociology Supporting

Political Science Supporting

Economics Supporting

Breadth requirement