Adult Literacy and High School Diploma Teacher Career

adult-literacy-teacher-500Adult Literacy and High School Diploma teachers educate students of all ages in remedial education classes, in preparation for the GED exam, or learning English as a Second Language. Teachers focus on helping students develop their skills in reading, writing, and speaking English, as well as assisting students in earning their high school diploma.

Typically, adult literacy teachers work in a classroom setting. These placements can be either at a community college, public school, or other community-based location. There are both full-time and part-time positions available, and a teacher may expect to work at times when adults can attend classes, such as in the mornings, evenings, or some weekends.

Adult Literacy and High School Diploma Teacher Career Snapshot

Further details on careers as adult literacy and high school diploma teachers are listed below (statistics from the May 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):

$50,650

is the average annual salary for adult literacy and high school diploma teachers.

7%

increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.

57%

have a Master’s degree while 43% have a Bachelor’s degree.

Adult Literacy Teacher Education

In most cases, to become an adult literacy teacher, a bachelor’s degree is required. Other skills expected include speaking effectively, active listening, reading comprehension, effective writing skills, customer and personal service, and a grasp of basic English and math skills.

Adult Literacy Teacher Job Duties

The duties of an adult literacy teacher include adapting teaching methods to meet the different needs of various students, maintaining accurate student records, assigning and grading work, administering written and oral tests, and conducting classes to teach subjects such as basic English language skills.

Adult Literacy Teacher Salaries

According to BLS.gov May 2015 reports, the salary for an adult literacy or high school diploma teacher range from $29,420 to $84,740 per year, with a median salary of $50,650 per year. A candidate may have the potential for higher earnings based on having a graduate degree, as well as prior experience and training in the field.

Adult Literacy Teacher Job Outlook

There is an expectancy that employment of adult literacy teachers will grow 7% from 2014 to 2024. Continued immigration to the United States would create a need for these programs as immigrants learn English and work to improve their language skills. Additionally, adults may return to adult education programs to improve their skills in literacy and communication, especially if they did not develop these skills in traditional schools, or left high school early.

Adult Literacy/High School Diploma Teacher Skills & Traits

Adult Literacy Teacher Skill Set:Required Abilities:Tools Used by Adult Literacy Teachers:Typical Work Activities:
• Instructing
• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Reading Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Notebook computers
• Overhead projectors
• Scanners
• Touch screen monitors
• Training and Teaching Others
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
• Getting Information
• Coaching and Developing Others

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