Job Outlook for Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Secondary Education (ASE), and English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors are professionals who work with adult students to help them improve their language and literacy skills. These instructors teach courses in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies to adult learners who may not have completed their high school education or whose first language is not English.
Examples of Adult Education Jobs
Adult Basic Education jobs include teaching adult students basic reading, writing, and math concepts. This form of education is ideal for those who need to improve their literacy skills to re-enter the workforce or pursue further education. An example of an ABE job is teaching basic math and literacy to individuals seeking to pass the high school equivalency test.
Adult Secondary Education jobs are for instructors who teach courses that are equivalent to high school-level classes, for students who didn’t finish high school. These courses include math, science, and social studies, and help students complete their high school diploma requirements. Examples of ASE jobs are teaching math, science, and social studies for students who didn’t finish high school.
English as a Second Language (ESL) jobs are for instructors who teach English to non-native speakers. ESL instructors use different teaching techniques to help students improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Examples of ESL jobs include teaching English to non-native speakers who are looking to improve their communication skills.
Education and Training
Most ABE, ASE, and ESL instructors have a bachelor’s degree in education, but this is not always necessary. Many candidates can qualify for teaching positions with an associate degree, which may also allow them to teach vocational courses.
ESL instructors may require additional specialized training in teaching English as a second language. This includes a certificate or degree in ESL, which is often offered at universities, community colleges, or learning centers. Many ESL instructors hold a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or a related field.
Progression between Levels and Entering the Field
Progressing through the levels of adult education requires dedication, experience, and continuing education. Experienced instructors can promote to supervisory or administrative positions, such as program directors. Adding a Certification in Teaching English Language Learners (CTELL) is also another option for those interested in advancing their careers.
Entering the adult education field usually requires a combination of education, training, and experience. Many community colleges, universities, and learning centers offer adult education instructor-training programs. Volunteering to gain experience in tutoring and teaching can also be beneficial when seeking paid employment in the field.
Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and English as a second language instructors can find employment in various institutions such as schools, community colleges, and private tutoring companies. These instructors teach individuals who did not finish high school or are non-native English speakers. They provide basic education or language instruction to help students gain skills, pass exams, and succeed in life.
According to the US National Average, the salary for adult basic education, adult secondary education, and English as a second language instructors in Level 06 is $54,184.00 per year. However, the salary varies depending on factors such as job level, union membership, and work status. Full-time adult education instructors have a higher salary compared to part-time instructors. Also, unionized instructors earn more compared to non-unionized instructors. Unionized instructors on all levels earn $78,499.20 yearly, while non-unionized instructors make $61,672.00 every year.
The table below shows the US National Average salary data for adult basic education, adult secondary education, and English as a second language instructors:
| Job Level | Union Membership | Work Status | Salary |
|———–|——————|————|——–|
| All | Unionized | All | $78,499.20 |
| All | Non-Unionized | All | $61,672.00 |
| All | N/A | Part-time | $55,078.40 |
| All | N/A | Full-time | $63,294.40 |
| Level 06 | N/A | Full-time | $52,832.00 |
| All | N/A | Time-based | $63,107.20 |
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-paying geographies for this job function are New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA, where instructors earn $80,246.40 per year on average. On the other hand, the lowest-paying geographies are not specified in the data provided.
In conclusion, adult basic education, adult secondary education, and English as a second language instructors provide essential education services to the community. Their salary varies depending on factors such as job level, union membership, and work status. Unionized instructors earn more, and full-time instructors have a higher salary compared to part-time instructors.
