Occupation

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

Human Advantage 76%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.5 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

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.

Also Known As: Academic Specialist, Adult Basic Education Instructor (ABE Instructor), Adult Basic Education Teacher (ABE Teacher), Adult Basic Studies Teacher, Adult ESL Instructor (Adult English as a Second Language Instructor), Adult ESL Teacher (Adult English as a Second Language Teacher), Adult Education Coordinator, Adult Education Instructor +30 more

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Core Tasks

  1. Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress and make suggestions for improvement.
  2. Observe students to determine qualifications, limitations, abilities, interests, and other individual characteristics.
  3. Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
  4. Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs, abilities, and interests.
  5. Prepare students for further education by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
  6. Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
  7. Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
  8. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
  9. Assign and grade class work and homework.
  10. Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws or administrative policies.
  11. Conduct classes, workshops, and demonstrations to teach principles, techniques, or methods in subjects, such as basic English language skills, life skills, and workforce entry skills.
  12. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible.
  13. Prepare and administer written, oral, and performance tests and issue grades in accordance with performance.
  14. Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
  15. Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
  16. Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
  17. Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
  18. Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
  19. Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
  20. Review instructional content, methods, and student evaluations to assess strengths and weaknesses, and to develop recommendations for course revision, development, or elimination.
  21. Register, orient, and assess new students according to standards and procedures.
  22. Collaborate with other teachers and professionals in the development of instructional programs.
  23. Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
  24. Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
  25. Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or special academic interests.
  26. Select, order, and issue books, materials, and supplies for courses or projects.
  27. Attend professional meetings, conferences, and workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
  28. Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons that promote learning, following approved curricula.
  29. Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, contests, or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.

Supplemental Tasks (8)

  1. Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
  2. Provide information, guidance, and preparation for the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) examination.
  3. Select and schedule class times to ensure maximum attendance.
  4. Train and assist tutors and community literacy volunteers.
  5. Observe and evaluate the performance of other instructors.
  6. Confer with leaders of government and community groups to coordinate student training or to find opportunities for students to fulfill curriculum requirements.
  7. Participate in publicity planning, community awareness efforts, and student recruitment.
  8. Advise students on internships, prospective employers, and job placement services.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: 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.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
41%
Master's Degree
20%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
11%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
11%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
11%
Some College Courses
3%
Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level.
2%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

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Software (22)

  • Blackboard software
  • Computerized testing software
  • Edmodo
  • Edpuzzle
  • Educational software
  • Google Classroom
  • Kahoot!
  • Learning management system LMS
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Quizlet
  • Web browser software
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (15)

  • Computer data input scanners
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital video cameras
  • Digital video disk DVD players
  • Interactive whiteboards
  • Laptop computers
  • Liquid crystal display LCD projectors
  • Overhead data projectors
  • Personal computers
  • Sound systems
  • Tablet computers
  • Television monitors
  • Video cassette recorders VCR
  • Videoconferencing equipment
  • Wireless presenters

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Teaching, Training, & Facilitation Education

Zone 4
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