How to Be Social Studies Curriculum Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 16, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing demand for Social Studies Curriculum Specialists is a direct result of the growing emphasis placed on social studies in schools across the country. As society changes, so do the curriculum and instruction needs of educators, making it necessary to have an expert who understands the various aspects of social studies and can ensure that students receive a comprehensive and engaging education. Social Studies Curriculum Specialists are responsible for developing and implementing curriculum that meets state and federal guidelines, in addition to incorporating current events, diversity, and global perspectives.

They also act as a bridge between the classroom and the community, connecting the school with local organizations and resources. As society continues to evolve, the need for Social Studies Curriculum Specialists will only grow, making them an integral part of any school's success.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The minimum educational requirement for becoming a social studies curriculum specialist is a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. A degree in history, political science, geography, or another social sciences area may also be acceptable.
Obtain a Teaching Certificate. Most states require teachers to have a valid teaching certificate, so if you plan to become a curriculum specialist in public school systems, you will likely need one. Depending on the state you live in, you may need to complete an internship and/or pass a teaching exam.
Gain Experience as a Teacher. Most employers prefer to hire curriculum specialists with prior teaching experience. It is important to gain experience in the classroom before applying for curriculum specialist positions.
Earn a Master's Degree. A master's degree in education or a related field can help you qualify for higher-level curriculum specialist jobs. Courses in education leadership, curriculum design and development, and educational research are particularly helpful.
Pursue Professional Development Opportunities. Professional development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and seminars are excellent ways to stay current with trends in social studies curriculum development and assessment.
Get Involved in Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the National Council for Social Studies can help you build contacts with other professionals in the field and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in social studies curriculum.
Consider Certification. There are several voluntary certification programs available for curriculum specialists, such as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification and the American Educational Research Association certification. These certifications may help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs.

Keeping an up-to-date and efficient Social Studies curriculum is essential for the success of students. A Social Studies Curriculum Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining the quality of the curriculum by researching best practices, monitoring current events, and staying aware of state and national standards. This person must be organized, knowledgeable, and have a commitment to lifelong learning.

When these qualities are combined with continual professional development, such as attending conferences and workshops, keeping the curriculum current and effective becomes much easier. The use of technology can also help in this process, allowing the Curriculum Specialist to quickly and easily access resources, such as research articles, lesson plans, and other materials. Furthermore, collaborating with faculty members and administrators can provide valuable insights into what students need.

By synthesizing all of this information, the Social Studies Curriculum Specialist can ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date and efficient, allowing students to achieve success.

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Job Description

Design and develop social studies curricula and instruction materials that meet state and local curriculum standards.
Research, select, and evaluate educational materials, such as textbooks, software, and other resources.
Collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure successful implementation of designed curricula.
Monitor student progress and provide feedback to teachers on instructional methods and strategies.
Provide professional development for classroom teachers on effective use of curriculum materials.
Analyze data from student assessments to identify areas of instructional improvement.
Develop strategies for addressing learning gaps among students in social studies subject areas.
Create guidelines for instructional activities and assessment criteria.
Develop curriculum plans for courses and special projects.
Act as a mentor for new teachers in the social studies department.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of State and National Social Studies Standards
Understanding of educational assessment and the ability to develop assessments for student learning
Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing effective Social Studies instructional programs
Ability to effectively collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders
Knowledge of current research and best practices related to Social Studies instruction
Ability to provide professional development to teachers on Social Studies topics
Knowledge of a variety of instructional strategies and approaches to teaching Social Studies
Understanding of multicultural perspectives and how to create an inclusive learning environment
Expertise in using educational technology to enhance Social Studies instruction
Ability to develop and implement effective curriculum materials and resources

A Social Studies Curriculum Specialist must possess a multitude of skills in order to be successful in their role. Perhaps one of the most important skills is the ability to be organized and plan effectively. One must be able to create and manage a hierarchy of goals, objectives, and learning activities that will shape the overall curriculum.

they must have strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to successfully collaborate with other educators, students, and parents. Finally, they must have an in-depth knowledge of social studies content, such as history, political science, and geography, in order to craft a well-rounded and relevant curriculum. By having these skills, a Social Studies Curriculum Specialist can create an effective learning environment that encourages students to explore the world around them and develop a deeper understanding of their place within it.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have developing social studies curricula?
What strategies do you use to ensure the accuracy of a social studies curricula?
How have you adapted a social studies curricula to meet changing standards?
How do you collaborate with teachers to implement a social studies curricula?
Are you familiar with current education trends in social studies?
How do you stay abreast of new technologies that could be used to improve learning outcomes in a social studies classroom?
What strategies do you utilize to engage students in social studies?
How do you create learning opportunities for students to apply the content from a social studies curriculum?
What steps do you take to ensure the diversity of perspectives is represented in a social studies curricula?
How do you measure the success of a social studies curricula?

Common Tools in Industry

Geographic Information System (GIS). A software program designed to capture, store, analyze, and visualize spatial data such as maps, aerial photographs, and satellite imagery. (eg: ArcGIS)
Online Learning Platforms. Software programs that enable the delivery of online learning materials. (eg: Moodle)
Online Collaboration Tools. Technology that enables virtual teams to work together in synchronous or asynchronous ways. (eg: Slack)
Digital Storytelling Tools. Software designed to help create digital stories to be used for teaching and learning. (eg: Adobe Spark)
Document Creation Software. Programs used to create documents, presentations, spreadsheets and other digital materials. (eg: Microsoft Office Suite)
Research Management Software. Software programs used to store, organize, analyze, and share research data. (eg: EndNote)
Data Visualization Tools. Software used to display data in a visually appealing manner. (eg: Tableau)
Augmented Reality Apps. Mobile apps that combine real-world elements with virtual objects and environments. (eg: Layar)
Education Games. Digital games designed to teach content and concepts in a fun and engaging way. (eg: Kahoot)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
American Educational Research Association (AERA)
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS)
National Association of Multicultural Education (NAME)
International Reading Association (IRA)
National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA)
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE)

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Common Important Terms

Social Studies. The academic discipline that examines the interaction between individuals and societies, cultures, and physical environments.
Civics. The study of the theoretical, political and practical aspects of citizenship, government and politics.
History. The study of past events, particularly in human affairs.
Geography. The study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects or is affected by these, including the distribution of populations and resources.
Economics. The study of how people use resources to produce goods and services, and how those goods and services are distributed, consumed, and exchanged.
Sociology. The study of the development, structure, and functioning of human societies.
Anthropology. The study of humans and their societies in the past and present.
Political Science. The study of the systems by which individuals or groups make decisions and how they interact with each other.
Psychology. The scientific study of the mind and behavior, including the study of how individuals think, act and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Social Studies Curriculum Specialist?

To become a Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, a candidate must possess a Master's degree in Education, Social Studies, or a related field, as well as experience in curriculum development and teaching.

What responsibilities does a Social Studies Curriculum Specialist have?

A Social Studies Curriculum Specialist is responsible for designing and implementing curriculum for K-12 students in the areas of history, geography, civics, economics, and other social studies topics. The specialist also evaluates and revises existing curriculum, creates instructional materials and assessments, and provides professional development for teachers.

What type of skills do Social Studies Curriculum Specialists need?

Social Studies Curriculum Specialists need strong communication, research and writing skills, as well as knowledge of current trends in social studies education. They must also be able to collaborate with teachers and administrators to ensure the successful implementation of the curriculum.

How does a Social Studies Curriculum Specialist benefit students?

A Social Studies Curriculum Specialist can provide students with an engaging and comprehensive education in the areas of history, geography, civics, economics, and other social studies topics. By developing and revising curriculum that is aligned with current standards, the specialist can ensure that students have access to the most up-to-date content.

What is the average salary of a Social Studies Curriculum Specialist?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Social Studies Curriculum Specialist is $52,780 per year.

Web Resources

Social Studies | DoDEA www.dodea.edu
Social Studies Education | Arts & Humanities www.tc.columbia.edu
Social Work Curriculum & Requirements | Columbia School of socialwork.columbia.edu