ABSTRACT
This chapter explores what it means to be a professional social studies teacher and what is required. Professional social studies teacher experiences as a middle and secondary student influenced how teacher approach social studies and what teacher consider to be effective means of educating. Professional development is required by most certification boards to maintain professional certification. Every teacher must adhere to a professional code of conduct. There is a large variety of professional codes of ethics for teachers developed by state departments, unions, professional organizations, and other non-profits. Membership in professional organizations dedicated to the advocacy of social studies education is crucial for social studies educators in order to fight against marginalization of the field on the state and national levels. Professional development comes in many forms, such as college/university classes, online seminars and training, in-service training, professional journals, and professional conferences.
