Adult Literacy, Remedial Education, and GED Teachers and Instructors Career

Why Choose an Adult Literacy, Remedial Education, and GED Teachers and Instructors Career?

Teachers fulfill a big responsibility.  They not only provide input on a variety of academic subjects like math and reading, but they also guide children in the ways of social behavior, goal-setting, and self-development. Therefore, teachers play a very important role in developing society in general, more so when these teachers work with adults and out-of-school youths and others who lost the opportunity to learn and wish to catch up. Such professionals are called Adult Literacy, Remedial Education, and GED Teachers and Instructors. Apart from teaching the curriculum, they also meet testing standards, fulfill administrative tasks, and develop lesson plans based on the needs of their students.

Adult Literacy, Remedial Education, and GED Teachers and Instructors Career Requirements

Adult education and literacy teachers must not only be qualified to work in this capacity, but they must also have the ability to handle students who come from a variety of cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds. An understanding and respect for their students' circumstances and familiarity with their concerns is an add on. The ability to communicate well and motivate students is also a key factor for these teachers. This role is much wider and all-encompassing than that of a school teacher who manages a specific age group and competence level of student body with regard to academic inputs and related skill development only.

Online Degrees for Adult Literacy, Remedial Education, and GED Teachers and Instructors Career

For those who wish to work as Adult Literacy, Remedial Education, and GED Teachers and Instructors, a bachelor's degree is a must. Some programs may require a master's degree in adult education or ESOL instruction. In addition, a public school teaching license or a license specifically for adult education teachers may be required for publicly run programs in most states. Preference may often be given to those with teaching experience, especially with adults.

A number of colleges and universities offer master’s degrees or graduate certificates in teaching adult education or ESOL, and supplement these with classes or workshops on related topics. To indicate some such classes on teaching adults, they would include use of technology in teaching, addressing needs of learners from different cultures, and using special techniques to teach adults with learning disabilities. Preference is given to those ESOL teachers who have taken special courses or training in second-language acquisition theory and linguistics. In addition, knowledge of the citizenship and naturalization process is considered an advantage. Although knowing a second language is not essential to teach ESOL students, if this credential is there it helps in understanding the students' perspectives. GED teachers are expected to know the requirements to pass the GED and be able to instruct students in the subject matter.

Ongoing professional development among adult education and literacy teachers is very necessary in order to keep abreast of new developments in the field and to enhance the existing skills set. The States promote these through workshops and other activities where attendance is mandatory. Internet or distance learning programs can also be selected for this purpose.

Adult education teachers must possess the necessary licensure to teach in a state or local government-run program. This licensure is available to those with a bachelor’s degree and proof of completion of an approved teacher training program. Having completed these requirements facilitates opportunities for advancement such as:

• full-time teaching positions
• program administrator positions such as coordinator or director
• policy work at a nonprofit organization or with the local, state, or federal government to perform research or to write teaching materials

Adult Literacy, Remedial Education, and GED Teacher and Instructor Career Fields

Adult literacy and remedial education teachers work in three principal categories:

1. When managing adults with skills at or below an eighth-grade level, it is called Adult Basic Education (ABE);
2. Teaching students who aspire to obtain a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or any other credential equal to high school is referred to as Adult Secondary Education (ASE);
3. Those working as ESL or ESOL teachers of English (English as a Second Language or English to Speakers of Other Languages) are termed as providing English Literacy Instruction for Adults with limited proficiency in English.

Some aspects that need to be kept in mind with regard to these career fields are listed below:

• The above roles may or may not be part of a traditional educational institution.
• The work may be part time, including several part-time teaching assignments, or full time in addition to a part-time teaching job.
• Adult education typically accommodates students who may have job or family responsibilities, so evening and weekend work is common in these career fields.
• A typical class will comprise of students with varying needs, abilities, and interests; so it is necessary to adapt teaching methods and instructional materials accordingly.
• Apart from academic inputs, the teacher must also spend time in guiding and counseling students with adjustment and/or academic problems or special academic interests, and address student needs on internships, prospective employers, and job placement services.
• Other aspects that may also form part of the job profile include:
  • Writing grants to obtain program funding
  • Providing disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities such as restrooms
  • Preparing and implementing remedial programs for students requiring extra help

To function effectively, a person working in the Adult Literacy, Remedial Education, and GED Teacher and Instructor Career Fields must be adept in the English Language, Mathematics, Education and Training, have knowledge about aspects pertaining to Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, and be ready to perform Customer and Personal Service and Clerical functions.

What Degree Do I Need?

• Education (General)
• Teaching