A social science teacher educates students in history, current events, economics, geography, and other social sciences. You find social science teachers at all levels of education--elementary, middle, and high schools--though only secondary teachers are subject-specific. Elementary teachers are responsible for teaching all core subjects, including social science. Actual job duties and curriculum vary, depending on the grades taught and if they are at a public or private institution. Public school teachers follow a state-approved curriculum while private schools may choose their own curriculum. The subjects become more specialized in the upper grades; elementary school teachers teach general topics within social studies, such as mapping of streets, community services and jobs, and state history. High school social science courses focus on one broad topic at a time, such as world history or government. Social science teachers create lesson plans, grade tests and homework, and develop effective classroom techniques to help their students understand the world around them, from their home community to countries on the other side of the globe.