Adult and Vocational Education Teachers Work Information: Education & Training Requirements, Job Outlook and Salary
Submitted by: Gypsy Santiago
Job Overview: Adult teachers work by teaching basic academic subjects (such as literature, reading, writing, music or continuing education courses) to those who are learning to speak English or adults who weren’t able to finish high school. They also help high school graduates or other adults to prepare for a new phase in their lives, such as college or employment. Vocational teachers offer courses to help prepare adults for specific occupations, such as bakers, automobile mechanics, data processors and other short courses.
Education, Training and Knowledge Requirements: Since adult and vocational education teachers instruct courses in specific subjects, they must specialize in the subject they want to teach. Aside from the chosen subject, one should also take courses in public speaking, communications and writing. A bachelor’s degree is usually required, but requirements vary according to the level you plan to teach and your specialization. There is no national certification available for adult education teachers, but some states have their own certification. Vocational teachers may be asked to obtain certification, such as those teaching English as a second language.
Skills & Abilities: Teachers should possess effective verbal communication skills, strong leadership and management skills, basic computer skills and superb writing skills (for making reports, grading paperwork and performing other teaching tasks). He/she should also be extremely patient, observant, understanding and work well with all types of people.
Duties: The tasks of adult and vocational education teachers are similar to other types of teachers, such as providing lectures, grading homework and evaluating students, writing reports, counseling students, using various teaching tools and other teaching duties. Adult education is divided into basic education (given to adults who have not finished high school) and continuing education (given to high school or college graduates for personal enrichment).
Vocational education teachers help students in specific careers, such as culinary, welding or cosmetology. These types of teachers demonstrate specialized techniques in their particular field and help students master the field.
They also prepare lectures, grade paperwork, assign homework or even help students prepare for internship and job interviews.
Earnings & Job Outlook: Adult and Vocational Education Teachers find work in universities, high schools, private businesses or religious institutions. Employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow faster than average through 2014. Earnings may vary widely depending on several factors such as location of institution, teacher’s experience, subject specialization and the number of courses or students being taught. The lowest paid 10% of adult education/vocational teachers earn $22,000 per year, while the highest paid 10% can earn up to $73,000 a year. For full-time teachers, the median annual salary is around $39,000. Since most adult or vocational education teacher are employed part time, their salaries are usually paid by the course or by the hour.
Gypsy Santiago is a professional resume writer and career search strategy/career branding coach with years of experience in assisting job seekers prepare for the job market. She helps create career-targeted resumes, provides useful tips about career transition, offers future career ideas and guide jobseekers about effective job search techniques.
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