Education & Library
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
Also called: Adult Basic Education Instructor (ABE Instructor), Adult Basic Education Teacher (ABE Teacher), Adult Education Instructor, Adult Education Teacher
US median pay
$61,540
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-13.9%
declining
Openings a year (US)
3,800
41,100 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job 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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Instructing4.2/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.5/5
- Service Orientation3.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4/5
- Time Management3.2/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Negotiation3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
Knowledge
- English Language4.4/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- Administrative3.2/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
- Mathematics2.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree41%
- Master's degree20%
- Post-baccalaureate certificate11%
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.