Adult Education

• Tweet

Whether adults attend school out of necessity or for personal enrichment, they come motivated to learn. If you think you have what it takes to teach adults, earning an online degree in education can help boost your career chances.

There are several different types of adult education, including: continuing education, adult literacy, English as a second language (ESL) and vocational education.Individuals interested in pursuing a career in adult education should be skilled and knowledgeable in their particular field of interest.

The level of education required for adult literacy and remedial education teachers varies by state and program. Most states require at least a bachelor's degree and preferably a master's to qualify for adult teaching positions. In addition, most states require a public school teacher license, an adult education credential, or both. English as a second language (ESL) teachers need to have at least a bachelor's degree and accreditation from the Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESL) association.

Even if you work full time, earning an online degree in education can help you move closer to your goal in less time. Some of the following degree choices may be helpful.

Adult Education Jobs

An online degree in adult education can help advance your career in one of the three areas listed below.

• Adult Literacy/Remedial Education Teacher

  Remedial or adult basic education (ABE) teachers teach courses in reading, writing, mathematics, history, and science to adults whose skills are at or below the eighth-grade level. Adult secondary education (ASE) teachers teach adults or out-of-school youth the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain a General Education Development (GED) certificate or high school equivalency credential.

• ESL Instructor

  ESL instructors help non-English speaking or limited-English speaking individuals learn to write, read, and speak in English. They focus on listening skills, reading comprehension, pronunciation, speaking skills, and grammar and vocabulary. They use real-life situations to promote learning, such as teaching about banking, shopping, job searching, public transportation, and health care.

• Vocational Teacher

  Vocational teachers help students learn the skills needed to get started in a particular occupational field, such as dental hygiene, auto mechanics, nursing, or welding. They teach through both academic and hands-on instruction. They explain processes, regulations, and technologies, and they demonstrate skills.