Adult Literacy and Remedial
Education -- Teacher
Amy Fenning
Nature of Work
 Assists adults and out-of-school youth in basic
skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening, math
and other skills
 Adult Basic Education = ABE
 English as a Second Language = ESL
 General Equivalency Diploma = GED
 Also help with ‘soft skills’ such as life skills, study
skills and ‘critical thinking skills’
Training and Qualifications
 A Masters degree in Education is preferred
 A Masters degree with a certificate in Teaching ESL is
acceptable
 In some cases, a bachelor’s degree with a TESL Certificate is
acceptable.
 There is no licensure or ‘endorsement’ for adult education as
there is to teach in the K-12 schools
 Teachers must be interested in other cultures, and it is good
if the teacher speaks a second language and/or has been
overseas.
Employment
 There were 96,000 jobs in 2008 with 116,000 expected in
2012
 “Counter-recessionary” – when people are out of work, they
come to college to get a degree BUT funding is cut.
 The job outlook is “better than average’
 Obama’s increased commitment to immigration
 The “American Way” to diversify our country
Employment in: Community based organizations and community
colleges
Earnings and Salary
 Part-time work is more plentiful than full-time work
 Average of $22.26 per hour in 2008
 Hourly wage includes planning and grading
 Fifty percent earned between $16.62 and $29.78 in 2008
 MUCH depends on the state
 Unionized states pay living wages ($40-60 per hour)
 They offer health insurance and retirement plans
Other types of jobs
 Overseas teaching
 K-12 schools – with new endorsement
 Counseling
Resources
 Occupational Outlook Handbook
 http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos289.htm
THANK YOU!