Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, & English as a Second Language Instructors
Also called:
Adult Basic Education Instructor (ABE Instructor), ESL Instructor (English as a Second Language Instructor), GED Instructor (General Educational Development Instructor), Teacher
In the Air Force:
Education And Training; Education And Training Apprentice; Education And Training Craftsman; Education And Training Helper; Education And Training Superintendent; Education and Training Journeyman
In the Army:
USMA, Professor; USMA, Professor and Associate Dean; USMA, Professor of English; USMA, Professor of Foreign Languages
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
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Business
customer service
administrative services
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
Social
teaching people how to do something
understanding people's reactions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
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:
Dependability
Integrity
Self Control
Adaptability/Flexibility
Concern for Others
Independence
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Computer based training software
Blackboard software
Quizlet
Multi-media educational software
Edpuzzle
Kahoot!
bachelor's degree or master's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.