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  1. Occupations
  2. Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

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

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

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $39,750. 25th percentile: U.S. $47,950. 50th percentile: U.S. $59,950. 75th percentile: U.S. $76,580. 90th percentile: U.S. $95,750. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Facebook
  • Google Workspace software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
  • Zoom

Technology Skills

  • Blackboard software
  • Computerized testing software
  • Edmodo
  • Edpuzzle
  • Educational software
  • Google Classroom
  • Kahoot!
  • Learning management system LMS
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • 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
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Special Education Teachers, Elementary School 25-2056.00
  • Tutors 25-3041.00
  • Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2022.00
  • Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031.00
  • Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 25-2021.00

Moderately Similar

  • Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten 25-2055.00
  • Special Education Teachers, Middle School 25-2057.00
  • Special Education Teachers, Secondary School 25-2058.00
  • Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education 25-2012.00
  • Teaching Assistants, Special Education 25-9043.00

Related

  • Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education 25-9042.00
  • Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081.00
  • Instructional Coordinators 25-9031.00
  • Self-Enrichment Teachers 25-3021.00
  • Special Education Teachers, Preschool 25-2051.00
  • English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1123.00
  • Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary 25-9044.00
  • Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School 25-2023.00
  • Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education 25-2011.00
  • Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1192.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • Master's DegreeMaster of Science in Adult EducationIssuer: Troy University
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateTeaching English as a Second Language (Graduate Certificate)Issuer: University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateTeaching Multilingual Learners Graduate CertificateIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateTeaching English as an Additional Language Graduate CertificateIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Education Specialist DegreeEducational Specialist in English as a Second LanguageIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Master's DegreeMaster of Arts in Education: English as a Second LanguageIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • CertificationTESOL Core Certificate Program (TCCP)Issuer: TESOL International Association
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateTeaching English LearnersIssuer: Indiana University-South Bend
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateBilingual/Bicultural EducationIssuer: Georgian Court University
  • Master's DegreeTEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGESIssuer: University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus