Adults who have a high school level education and basic language and math skills, have far more opportunities than those who don’t. Adult Basic Education and literacy instructors teach those basic skills… and also help adult students complete their high school credential. Adult basic education teachers focus on teaching reading, writing, and math to students… usually adults who have not completed high school and who want to improve their work prospects. High school equivalency and adult secondary education teachers prepare students to earn a high school equivalent diploma. Classes may include specific workplace vocabulary, skill development in critical thinking, and problem solving. English as a Second Language or ESL—teachers emphasize English reading, writing, and speaking for students whose native language is not English. Classes include practical vocabulary for jobs and daily living, and often, preparation for the citizenship exam. ESL teachers must be creative with their communication, as students in a class may not share a common language or read and write in their native language. Adult Education and ESL teachers work in elementary and high schools, community education programs, and colleges. Many work part time, in the mornings and evenings. Typically, candidates need a bachelor’s degree. Some states require licensure or a certificate to teach, while some community colleges prefer candidates with related graduate coursework or a master’s degree.
What they do:
Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.
On the job, you would:
Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress and make suggestions for improvement.
Observe students to determine qualifications, limitations, abilities, interests, and other individual characteristics.
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
Arts and Humanities
Education and Training
teaching and course design
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
teaching people how to do something
understanding people's reactions
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
communicate by speaking
communicate by writing
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
Concern for Others
You might use software like this on the job:
Computer based training software
Multi-media educational software
bachelor's degree or master's degree usually needed
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.