How to become an adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors
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.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
What adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors do
- 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.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Is adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 21% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- California $102,030
- New Jersey $81,100
- Delaware $78,600
- New York $78,010
- Minnesota $76,800
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.