Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Adult Basic Education Instructor (ABE Instructor)
- ESL Instructor (English as a Second Language Instructor)
- GED Instructor (General Educational Development Instructor)
- Teacher
Alternate Job Titles
- Academic Specialist
- Adult Basic Education Instructor (ABE Instructor)
- Adult Basic Education Teacher (ABE Teacher)
- Adult Basic Studies Teacher
- Adult Education Coordinator
- Adult Education Instructor
- Adult Education Specialist
- Adult Education Teacher
- Adult Educator
- Adult ESL Instructor (Adult English as a Second Language Instructor)
- Adult ESL Teacher (Adult English as a Second Language Teacher)
- Adult Literacy Instructor
- Adult Literacy Teacher
- Adult Remedial Education Instructor
- Adult School Teacher
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs, abilities, and interests.
- Prepare students for further education by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Instructing
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Writing
- Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Clarity
- Speech Recognition
- Near Vision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
- Fluency of Ideas
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Optimism
- Dependability
- Empathy
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Photoshop
- Google Workspace software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
- Zoom
Tools & Equipment
- Computer data input scanners
- Desktop computers
- Digital video cameras
- Digital video disk DVD players
- Interactive whiteboards
- Laptop computers
- Liquid crystal display LCD projectors
- Overhead data projectors
- Personal computers
- Sound systems
- Tablet computers
- Television monitors
- Video cassette recorders VCR
- Videoconferencing equipment
- Wireless presenters
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $39,750 |
| Median | $59,950 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $95,750 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 36,260
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $62,340
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $64,580
Tutors
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $40,090
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: Varies
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $62,970
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.