College in the Schools - Teacher Qualifications

American History

(Hist 1307: U.S. History to 1880
Hist 1308: U.S. History - 1865 to present)

To qualify for selection, teachers must have significant postsecondary course work in American history and demonstrated excellence in teaching advanced high school students. A graduate degree is desirable.

New CIS teachers must participate in a summer mentoring program before teaching their first course. This typically involves meeting three times over the summer with the course coordinator and other new teachers, reading several books and historical articles, and writing a historiographic essay similar to those required of their CIS students.

College in the Schools teachers are approved by the University of Minnesota academic department from which the course is offered. CIS teachers are typically lifelong learners, committed to staying current with both pedagogy and content through reading and ongoing professional development. They are energetic and committed to challenging both themselves and their students. CIS teachers value participation in a true community of learners.

At least a few years' experience at the site where they will teach the CIS course also is helpful for identifying students and for managing administrative tasks.