Adult Education

There is an old proverb which states that we are “never too old to learn.” It is this philosophy that has served as the catalyst for the increasing numbers of non-traditional students worldwide, leading to teacher education programs designed for the mature student. These adult education classes prepare future instructors with all the information, tools, and techniques they will need to effectively deal with the unique challenges involved with teaching non-traditional students.

Adult Education Description

According to Fordham University, the number of adult students in the United States is expected to reach more than six and a half million within the next three years. Adult education classes can help prepare educators-in-training to become part of this anticipated boom. Master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and in rare cases, associate’s degrees are all available in this discipline.

Like any other teacher education program, adult education classes cover such material as developing curriculum plans, integrating technology, organizing materials, and so on. However, they also focus on the unique challenges involved with teaching adult students, many of whom may well be older and worldlier than their instructor! As such, this teacher education program includes course work on adult development and psychology, distance education, and adult literacy, among others.

Adult Education Careers

One of the primary employers of those who have taken adult education classes are colleges, universities, and post-secondary distance learning centers. Non-traditional students are returning to schools to receive their degrees more frequently now than in the past and instructors who have majored in teacher education programs are being called upon to ply their trade at community colleges, private colleges, universities, and online learning centers worldwide.

Likewise, there is a call for graduates to teach adult education classes on literacy or remedial education, as high school drop outs prepare to earn their General Educational Development (or GED) diploma. GED teachers must be well versed in language arts, writing, social studies, science, and mathematics since the exam covers these materials. With more than 3,000 GED centers located throughout North America, there should be a wealth of opportunities available in this field, and according to the 2004 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual income for adult literacy teachers is just under $39,000.

Teacher education program graduates who chose to focus on adult instruction also can choose to become English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructors or a Vocational Teachers. ESL classes are designed to convey the intricacies of the English language to those more familiar with a different native tongue. Instructors usually work at colleges or universities and could be required to complete additional coursework designed specifically for teaching English as a foreign language. Vocational instructors, on the other hand, can be employed by community or vocational colleges, or by businesses directly, and focus on teaching job skills or trade crafts to students or employees.