Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors

Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in remedial education classes, preparatory classes for the General Educational Development test, literacy, or English as a Second Language. Teaching may or may not take place in a traditional educational institution.

Median Annual Wage: $49,590

Education: Master's degree (57%); Bachelor's degree (43%)

Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)

Related Job Titles: Teacher; Adult Basic Education Teacher (ABE Teacher); Adult Education Teacher; GED Teacher (General Educational Development Teacher); ESL Teacher (English as a Second Language Teacher); Adult Basic Education Instructor (ABE Instructor); Adult Education Instructor; Instructor; General Educational Development Instructor (GED Instructor); English as a Second Language Instructor (ESL Instructor)

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors.

More Education, Training, and Library Careers

  • Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws or administrative policies.
  • Assign and grade class work and homework.
  • Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
  • Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress and make suggestions for improvement.
  • Conduct classes, workshops, and demonstrations to teach principles, techniques, or methods in subjects, such as basic English language skills, life skills, and workforce entry skills.
  • Prepare and administer written, oral, and performance tests and issue grades in accordance with performance.
  • Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
  • Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or special academic interests.
  • Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
  • Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
  • Observe students to determine qualifications, limitations, abilities, interests, and other individual characteristics.
  • Register, orient, and assess new students according to standards and procedures.
  • Review instructional content, methods, and student evaluations to assess strengths and weaknesses, and to develop recommendations for course revision, development, or elimination.
  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible.
  • Prepare students for further education by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
  • Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
  • Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
  • Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
  • Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
  • Select, order, and issue books, materials, and supplies for courses or projects.
  • Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
  • Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
  • Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
  • Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons that promote learning, following approved curricula.
  • Attend professional meetings, conferences, and workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
  • Collaborate with other teachers and professionals in the development of instructional programs.
  • Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, contests, or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
  • Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
  • Participate in publicity planning, community awareness efforts, and student recruitment.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors.

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors.

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