Teachers—Adult Literacy and Remedial Education Job Description, Career as a Teachers—Adult Literacy and Remedial Education, Salary, Employment

Education and Training: College

Salary: Median— $43,910 per year

Employment Outlook: Good

Adult literacy and remedial education teachers are responsible for providing basic literacy training to adults and youths. They teach fundamental skills like reading, writing, and carrying out mathematical calculations. The classes consist of adults who may not have received any formal education or may have learning difficulties, and young people who have dropped out of school. Apart from this, students wishing to take the General Educational Development or GED exam also attend adult literacy and remedial education classes. A considerable number of students belong to immigrant communities and do not have knowledge of the English language.

In consideration of the varied backgrounds and interests of the students, adult literacy and remedial education teachers specialize in different fields. For instance, some may be involved in teaching basic courses in reading, writing, science, mathematics, history, and geography. Likewise, there are others who teach non-English speaking students. Job skills are also taught by adult literacy and remedial education teachers. These teachers use a variety of techniques to make their classes more interesting and helpful. They have to keep themselves updated about the latest happenings in the field, and should also prepare their lessons and paperwork beforehand.

Education and Training Requirements

Educational requirements for adult literacy and remedial education teachers vary from one state to the other. The basic criterion, in most cases, is a bachelor’s degree. However, a lot of employers prefer candidates having completed postgraduate education in adult literacy. Many colleges and universities in the US offer degree and certificate courses that provide training on various teaching methodologies and ways of handling students from varied cultural and social backgrounds. Those wishing to become ESOL instructors should have knowledge in second-language linguistics and acquisition theory, while GED teachers should have information about the requirements necessary to clear GED.

Licensure is another important requirement for candidates interested in government jobs. Some states may require special adult education licensure while others call for a public school teacher license. To obtain such licenses, one must possess a bachelor’s degree and also complete an approved teacher training program.

Getting the Job

Adult literacy and remedial education teachers can directly apply for job at local schools and colleges. Various literacy resource centers and religious and charitable organizations also employ such teachers. These job openings are generally advertised in newspapers and job portals on the Internet. The state departments of education also provide necessary information regarding employment opportunities for adult literacy and remedial education teachers.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Adult literacy and remedial education teachers can, with experience, move to administrative positions like that of a coordinator, program administrator, or director. One can also shift to policy work and find employment in non-profit organizations or in the local, state, and federal government. Research work also offers possibilities for career advancement. Those who have been in the profession for a long time can also adopt the role of a mentor and provide instruction to new teachers.

Working Conditions

Adult literacy and remedial education teachers work in varying environments depending on the place of their work. Since they mostly handle adult students, it is unlikely that they will have to deal with behavioral and social problems. Also, since these are voluntary courses, students attending them are highly self-motivated, and teachers find the job rewarding. However, some programs are organized in confined and overcrowded facilities that do not offer modern amenities. Also, classes are mostly held in the evenings or during weekends and vacations to suit the preferences of students. To this end, adult literacy and remedial education teachers have to work odd hours.

Where to Go for More Information

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education
4090 MES, 400 Maryland Avenue SW.
Washington, DC 20202
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE

The National Center for ESL Literacy Education
4646 40th Street, NW.
Washington, DC 20016
http://www.cal.org/ncle

Earnings and Benefits

The median annual salary of teachers in this profession was $43,910, as per the records of May 2006. The wages can range anywhere between $24,610 and $75,680. Those in part-time employment usually receive their wages either on an hourly basis or on the basis of the number of classes they teach.

Benefits are very limited for adult literacy and remedial education teachers. They are generally given health insurance, and those in full-time jobs may have the benefit of paid leaves.