20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You’ll usually split time between teaching, preparing classes, and research. Morning might be a 75‑ or 90‑minute seminar, followed by office hours to advise students or review drafts.
Afternoons often mean grading papers and writing reports in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, meeting colleagues about curricula, and running a few hours of research or lab time for archival work.
Yes. Most departments use a course management system such as Blackboard Learn or Desire2Learn LMS to post readings, grades, and assignments. You’ll upload syllabi, set quizzes, and moderate discussion boards there.
You’ll also use Google Docs or Microsoft Word for handouts, Microsoft Excel for grade tracking, and Microsoft Outlook for scheduling meetings and campus announcements.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2025), 18,790 people are employed in this category. The median annual wage is $83,820. The lowest tenth earn about $48,410 and the top tenth about $162,160.
Salaries vary by institution type (community college vs. research university), rank (adjunct, assistant, tenured), and location. BLS gives these national figures but individual offers can differ widely.
Most full‑time university posts require a Ph.D. in history and a record of publications and teaching. Start by getting a bachelor’s, then a master’s or Ph.D., and seek teaching assistant roles to gain classroom experience.
Build skills with course design (use Blackboard or D2L for sample courses), publish research, and write grant proposals to fund projects. Adjunct teaching or visiting lectureships can be first steps while you finish your degree.
A museum historian focuses on collections, curation, exhibitions, and public programs, often doing object-based research and conservation work. Their job includes exhibit planning and public engagement more than regular classroom teaching.
A college history teacher spends more time designing courses, lecturing, grading, advising students, publishing academic research, and applying teaching strategies in seminars and labs. Both may publish and consult, but the daily tasks differ.
You can use AI to draft feedback, generate reading lists, or summarize student discussion posts, but always check accuracy and bias. Use it for repetitive tasks (e.g., creating grade rubrics or initial comments) and then edit in Google Docs or Word.
Never let AI replace your academic judgment: don’t submit AI‑written research as your own, and be transparent with students about where AI is used. Keep student privacy in mind when uploading work to third‑party AI services.
Clear communication is the key skill: you must explain complex events and arguments simply, both in lectures and in written feedback. That includes leading discussions and giving constructive critiques during review sessions.
Closely tied is research skill — knowing how to find primary sources, compile bibliographies, publish findings, and write grant proposals. Familiarity with course management systems and collaborative editing tools helps too.