What is an Adult Basic and Secondary Education Teacher?
Adult basic and secondary education teachers work with adult students to improve their fundamental skills in subjects like reading, writing, and math. They prepare students for a variety of goals, including earning a high school equivalency diploma (like the GED), improving their English language proficiency, or gaining the skills needed for job training. This role requires patience, a passion for teaching, and the ability to work with a diverse group of learners who have different life experiences and educational backgrounds.
Typical Education
A bachelor's degree is typically required. The degree may be in education or a subject-specific field like English or mathematics. While some positions only require a bachelor's, many states require adult education teachers to complete a teacher preparation program and a period of student teaching. All states require a licensure or certification, which may be specific to adult education.
Salary Range in the United States
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for adult basic and secondary education and literacy teachers and instructors was $58,030 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,480, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,360.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2023)
Day in the Life
How to Become an Adult Teacher
- Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Earn a bachelor's degree in education or a related subject.
- Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: This program, often part of your bachelor's degree, includes coursework in adult learning theory and classroom management.
- Gain Experience: Volunteer or work with an organization that provides adult education services to gain hands-on experience.
- Get Certified: Pass your state's required professional teaching exams and apply for a teaching license or certificate.
- Seek a Position: Apply for jobs in community colleges, public schools, or non-profit organizations that specialize in adult education.
Essential Skills
- Patience: The ability to work with students who may have struggled with learning in the past and are returning to education after a long break.
- Communication: The ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and engaging way that is understandable to adult learners.
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust teaching methods to meet the needs of a diverse group of learners with different life experiences.
- Empathy: The ability to understand the challenges adult students face, such as balancing school with work and family responsibilities.
- Creativity: The ability to design engaging and relevant lesson plans that capture students' attention.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver lessons: Develop and teach lessons in subjects like reading, writing, and math.
- Assess student progress: Evaluate student performance through tests, assignments, and one-on-one conversations.
- Provide one-on-one support: Work with individual students to help them overcome specific learning challenges.
- Create a supportive learning environment: Establish a positive and respectful classroom atmosphere that encourages adult learners to participate.
- Communicate with students: Provide updates on their progress and discuss their personal and professional goals.
Common Interview Questions
- How do you motivate an adult student who is feeling discouraged?
- What the interviewer is looking for: They want to see your empathy and your ability to motivate adult learners. A good answer will outline how you would celebrate small victories, connect the lesson to a student's personal goals, and provide a supportive environment.
- Describe your teaching philosophy. How do you address the unique needs of adult learners?
- What the interviewer is looking for: This question gauges your passion for teaching and your understanding of adult learning theory. A strong answer will mention specific strategies like incorporating real-world examples, collaborative projects, or using technology to make learning more relevant and engaging.
- Tell me about a time you had a student with a significant learning barrier. What did you do to help them?
- What the interviewer is looking for: This behavioral question assesses your problem-solving skills and creativity. The ideal response will use the STAR method to describe a situation where you calmly analyzed the problem, developed a personalized plan, and helped the student overcome the barrier.
- How do you handle a student who is struggling with a personal problem that is affecting their attendance or academic performance?
- What the interviewer is looking for: This question evaluates your interpersonal and problem-solving skills. A good answer will describe how you would discreetly speak with the student, offer a compassionate ear, and connect them with resources that can help them overcome their personal challenges.
- Why do you want to teach adult basic and secondary education?
- What the interviewer is looking for: They want to see your genuine interest in this specific field. A good answer will express your passion for helping adults achieve their goals and your belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Questions?
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