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

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.

SOC: 25-3011.00

Common Job Titles

Adult Basic Education Instructor (ABE Instructor)ESL Instructor (English as a Second Language Instructor)GED Instructor (General Educational Development Instructor)Teacher

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDesign differentiated lesson plans and instructional materials for diverse adult learners including ESL students and those seeking high school equivalency credentials.
  • KnowledgeApply learning strategies and instructional methods to address varied literacy levels and educational backgrounds in adult education settings.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate student progress and mastery of English language skills, literacy, and academic content using formative and summative assessments in compliance with program standards.
  • MindsetEngage adult learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds by creating inclusive and respectful classroom environments that support individual learning goals.
  • MindsetAdvocate for student success and educational equity by identifying barriers to learning and connecting learners with support services and resources.
  • KnowledgeInterpret complex information and academic concepts for adult learners with limited English proficiency or foundational education gaps.
  • MindsetIntegrate culturally responsive teaching practices with curriculum standards to promote engagement and relevance for adult learners from varied socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
  • KnowledgeDevelop individualized learning plans and adaptive instructional strategies based on diagnostic assessments and learner goals for career advancement or educational transition.
  • Hands-onOperate learning management systems and educational technology tools including Google Classroom, Zoom, and interactive whiteboards to facilitate blended and remote instruction.
  • KnowledgeCoordinate curriculum planning and student support activities with community organizations, colleagues, and program administrators to enhance educational outcomes.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

36,260

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$39,750
10% of workers earn the following or more$95,750
Workers on average earn$64,660

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • English Language4.4/5
  • Education and Training3.9/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
  • Administrative3.2/5
  • Administration and Management2.9/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Adobe PhotoshopFacebookGoogle Workspace softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareZoom

Technology Skills

Blackboard softwareComputerized testing softwareEdmodoEdpuzzleEducational softwareGoogle ClassroomKahoot!Learning management system LMS

Tools & Equipment

Computer data input scannersDesktop computersDigital video camerasDigital video disk DVD playersInteractive whiteboardsLaptop computersLiquid crystal display LCD projectorsOverhead data projectors