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

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Education & Library
• O*NET-SOC code: 25-3011
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress and make suggestions for improvement.
• Observe students to determine qualifications, limitations, abilities, interests, and other individual characteristics.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs, abilities, and interests.
• Prepare students for further education by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
• Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
• Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Assign and grade class work and homework.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws or administrative policies.
• Conduct classes, workshops, and demonstrations to teach principles, techniques, or methods in subjects, such as basic English language skills, life skills, and workforce entry skills.
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible.

Tools and technology

Adobe Photoshop, Facebook, Google Workspace software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Zoom, Blackboard software, Computer data input scanners

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
• Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
• Tutors
• Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
• Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
• Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
• Special Education Teachers, Middle School
• Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.