About the Chartered Teacher scheme

The Chartered Teacher of History scheme follows those successful Chartered Teacher schemes already available in English, Geography, Mathematics and Science. The status of Chartered Teacher confers a distinction on its holder in recognition of a high level of general expertise in terms of both historical knowledge and understanding and age-appropriate pedagogy as well as indicating a commitment to the continuing development of subject knowledge and pedagogy.

Aims

• To recognise the excellence of individual teachers of history
• To celebrate the importance of history teaching
• To promote the development of leadership in history education

Who can apply?

Chartered Teacher of History is open to anyone who can demonstrate ongoing involvement in the teaching of history and/or education of those teaching history at any level and context.* (from early years to further and continuing education – where applicants can demonstrate they meet the criteria). Application is open to all those in history teaching not just school-based applicants, e.g.  museum/heritage educators.

*for those teaching on higher education history degree courses please contact the Royal Historical Society

Requirements for CTHist

• Current individual membership of the Historical Association
• An undergraduate degree in history or a degree where history is a significant component OR if the undergraduate degree is in a subject other than history, evidence of substantial development of expertise in history
• Evidence of continuing postgraduate involvement with the subject  
• Minimum of four years’ teaching experience in a relevant education context (pro-rata for part-time)
• Evidence of significant involvement in history-specific CPD and in collaborating with others in developing the teaching and learning of history

The application process

• Application form, with copies of relevant certificates
• Summary CV of no more than two sides of A4
• Self-Evaluation Statement (see below for details) & cross-referenced portfolio of evidence
• One supporting statement from a third party verifying the Self-Evaluation Statement
• All applicants must accept the principles of the professional code of conduct
• Payment, a one-off administrative fee of £100 plus an annual fee of £20 over membership

Guidance notes

• Online application process through My HA, with folder of evidence (to include guidance) 
• Individuals with Chartered Teacher of History may hold the award for three years before reapplying with evidence of continuing professional development
• Self-Evaluation Statement: no more than 1000 words outlining how you fit the criteria – please refer to the outline guidance on professional knowledge and understanding and professional practice. Applicants should include a sample of six pieces of evidence (some examples are included below) more may be requested for clarification.

Professional knowledge & understanding

Applicants will provide evidence of an extensive knowledge and understanding history and the teaching of history including:

• How the applicant has kept up to date with history as a subject discipline and its development
• How the applicant has kept up to date with the subject pedagogy and the history curriculum as appropriate to their teaching

Professional practice

Applicants will provide evidence of the application of their subject knowledge and pedagogy to their skills as a teacher in their work with learners –in classroom and/or in out-of-classroom settings. Applicants will provide evidence that they have worked collaboratively in the sharing of good practice, understanding of the subject and the professional development of colleagues.

Evidence may include demonstration of:

• Enthusing learners with a love of the past
• The development of a diverse range of teaching strategies
• Understanding of the nature of learners’ needs
• Knowledge of how to meet learners’ needs
• Progression of learners’ historical thinking
• Development of learners’ historical awareness
• Expertise in relevant monitoring, assessment and evaluation procedures
• Engagement of learners in subject-based enrichment or extension activities
• Engaging learners beyond the taught curriculum
• Engaging learners outside the classroom
• Sustained engagement in developing the history teaching community
• Collaborative involvement with the history community
• Ongoing learning in relation to history and history teaching
• Broadening range of students who take GCSE
• Broadening reach to local communities
• Engaging with emotive or controversial histories

Supporting evidence for the Self-Evaluation Statement

The Self-Evaluation Statement should be accompanied by a list of supporting evidence of activities demonstrating the applicant’s continuing professional engagement and development. Where appropriate, a single piece of evidence can be used to support more than one claim. Applicants are asked to submit a sample of six pieces of evidence with their application. More may be requested for clarification.

Forms of supporting evidence could include:

• Sample of teaching plans
• Sample of learners’ work
• Examples of motivating resources
• Evidence of successful collaboration between schools and/or heritage/community organisations
• A range of assessment techniques
• Evidence of learner progress/involvement
• Articles,  published teaching resources, regular blogs or other published materials
• Consultancy or voluntary work at local or national level for the Historical Association or other similar bodies
• Involvement with the Historical Association’s Quality Mark or Teacher Fellowship Programme
• Working with Awarding Organisations
• Leading or taking part in subject-based workshops/seminars/development days
• Mentoring trainees and/or NQTs
• Academic work: either ongoing post-graduate study or evidence of engaging with and reflecting on scholarly publications (reading, reflection, publication)
• Postgraduate qualifications
• Ongoing private research e.g. local history studies

Applicants must make an ongoing commitment to CPD and engagement with their subject community. Chartered Teachers of History will need to renew their Charter designation every three years.