This career video provides day in the life information about the following jobs and occupations.

JOB TITLE: Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors

OCCUPATION DESCRIPTION: 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.

RELATED JOB TITLES: Adult Basic Education Instructor (ABE Instructor), Adult Basic Education Teacher (ABE Teacher), Adult Education Instructor, Adult Education Teacher, ESL Instructor (English as a Second Language Instructor), ESL Teacher (English as a Second Language Teacher), ESOL Teacher (English for Speakers of Other Languages Teacher), GED Instructor (General Educational Development Instructor), GED Teacher (General Educational Development Teacher), Teacher

ONET: 25-3011.00

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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.