### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			adult literacy and ged teachers imageAdult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers instruct adults in basic skills.							
						Quick Facts:     Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers2023     Median Pay
            						$60,560     per year
										$29.11     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    42,200Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    -13% (Decline)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    -5,300What Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers instruct adults in fundamental skills, such as reading and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalency credential.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers are often employed by community colleges, community-based organizations, and public schools. Part-time work is common.
            
                                                How to Become an Adult Basic or Secondary Education or ESL Teacher
                                                
                        
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers who work in public schools typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and a license or certification.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers was $60,560 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers is projected to decline							 13 percent from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite declining  employment, about 4,200 openings for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers Do 
            

			adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers imageAdult education and ESL teachers use different teaching strategies to meet their students’ needs.			
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers instruct adults in fundamental skills, such as reading, writing, and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalency credential.
Duties
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers typically do the following:
Plan and teach lessons to help students gain the knowledge and skills needed to earn their high school equivalency credential
Adapt teaching methods based on students’ strengths and weaknesses
Emphasize skills that will help students find jobs, such as learning English words and common phrases used in the workplace
Assess students for learning disabilities
Monitor students’ progress
Help students develop study skills
Connect students to other resources in their community, such as job placement servicesStudents’ educational level and skills are assessed before they enter these programs. Teachers may conduct the assessments; however, sometimes another staff member assesses students. Based on the results of the assessment and the student’s goals, teachers develop an education plan.
Teachers must formally evaluate their students periodically to determine their progress and potential to go on to the next level of classes. However, teachers may informally evaluate their students’ progress continually.
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers often have students of various ability levels in their classes. As a result, these teachers need to use different strategies to meet the needs of all of their students. They may work with students in classes or teach them one-on-one.
There are three types of education that adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers provide:
***Adult basic education (ABE)*** classes teach students the basics of reading, writing, and math. The students generally are age 16 or older and need to gain proficiency in these skills to improve their job situation. Teachers prepare students for further education and help them to develop skills that they will need in the workplace. For example, they may teach students how to write a resume.
***Adult secondary education*** classes prepare students to take the test to earn a high school equivalency credential. Some programs are combined with career preparation programs so that students can earn a high school equivalency and a career-related credential at the same time.
The high school equivalency exam is composed of four subjects: language arts, math, science, and social studies. In addition to teaching these subjects, teachers also help their students improve their skills in communicating, critical thinking, and problem solving—skills they will need in preparing for further education and successful careers.
***English as a Second Language (ESL),*** also called *English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)*,**classes teach students to read, write, and speak English. Students in these classes are immigrants to the United States or those whose native language is not English. ESL teachers may have students from many different countries and cultures in their classroom. Because the ESL teacher and the students may not share a common native language, ESL teachers must be creative with their communication in the classroom.
ESL teachers often focus on helping their students with practical vocabulary for jobs and daily living. They also may focus on preparing their students to take the citizenship exam.
 Work Environment
			Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachersAdult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers often work in community colleges, community-based organizations, and public schools.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers held about 42,200 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers were as follows:
        Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private
                33%Junior colleges; state, local, and private
                23Other schools and instruction; state, local, and private
                10Self-employed workers
                7Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                3Students in adult education and ESL programs attend classes by choice. As a result, they are often highly motivated, which may make teaching them rewarding and satisfying.
Work Schedules
These teachers often work in the mornings and evenings, because classes are held at times when students are not at work. Part-time work is common.
 How to Become an Adult Basic or Secondary Education or ESL Teacher

			Adult literacy and GED teachersWorking with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult and teachers must respond with patience when students struggle with material.			
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers who work in public schools typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and a license or certification.
Education
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers in public schools typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. Some community colleges prefer to hire those with a master’s degree or graduate coursework in adult education or English as a Second Language (ESL).
Programs in adult education prepare prospective teachers to use effective strategies for adult learners, work with students from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, and teach adults with learning disabilities. Some programs allow these prospective teachers to specialize in adult basic education, secondary education, or ESL.
Prospective ESL teachers should take courses or training in linguistics and theories of how people learn second languages. Knowledge of a second language is not necessary to teach ESL, but it can be helpful.
Teacher education programs instruct prospective teachers in how to present information to students and how to work with students of varying abilities and backgrounds. Programs typically include an opportunity for student-teachers to work with a mentor and get experience in a classroom. For information about teacher preparation programs in your state, visit Teach.org.
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers may take professional development classes to improve their teaching skills and ensure that they keep up with research about teaching adults.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers who work in public schools must have a teaching certificate. Some states have certificates specifically for adult education. Other states require teachers to have a certificate in elementary or secondary education.
To obtain a license, adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers typically need a bachelor’s degree and must complete a student-teaching program. For more information, contact the director of adult education for your state. Contact information is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.*** Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers must collaborate with other teachers and program administrators. In addition, they must explain concepts in terms that students can understand.
***Cultural sensitivity.*** Teachers work with students from a variety of cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds. They must be respectful of their students’ backgrounds and be understanding of their concerns.
***Patience.*** Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. Teachers must be patient when students struggle to understand the material.
***Resourcefulness.*** Teachers must be able to think on their feet and find ways to keep students engaged in learning. They may have to change their methods of instruction to address the different needs of their students.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL TeachersMedian annual wages, May 2023Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors$60,560  Total, all occupations$48,060  Other teachers and instructors$41,700Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers was $60,560 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,710, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,980.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                $64,430Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private
                61,910Junior colleges; state, local, and private
                61,660Other schools and instruction; state, local, and private
                54,590Teachers often work in the mornings and evenings, because classes are held at times when students are not at work. Part-time work is common.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
               Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL TeachersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Other teachers and instructors3%  Total, all occupations3%  Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors-13%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers is projected to decline				 13 percent from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite declining  employment, about 4,200 openings for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Enrollment in adult education and ESL programs has declined in recent years. At the same time, high school graduation rates have increased, reducing the number of adults seeking to obtain high school equivalency credentials. As these trends continue, the demand for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers may decline.
Changes in government funding for adult education and ESL programs also may impact the demand for these workers.
			

                        Employment projections data for     adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors**
			25-3011
			42,200
			36,900
			-13
			-5,300
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Career and Technical Education Teachers**
            Career and technical education teachers instruct students in various technical and vocational subjects, such as auto repair, healthcare, and culinary arts.
            Bachelor's degree
            $63,580**High School Teachers**
            High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
            Bachelor's degree
            $65,220**Instructional Coordinators**
            Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness.
            Master's degree
            $74,620**Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers**
            Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.
            Bachelor's degree
            $63,670**Librarians and Library Media Specialists**
            Librarians and library media specialists help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use.
            Master's degree
            $64,370**Middle School Teachers**
            Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades.
            Bachelor's degree
            $64,290**Postsecondary Teachers**
            Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
            See How to Become One
            $84,380**School and Career Counselors and Advisors**
            School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.
            Master's degree
            $61,710**Social Workers**
            Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.
            See How to Become One
            $58,380**Special Education Teachers**
            Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
            Bachelor's degree
            $65,910**Teacher Assistants**
            Teacher assistants work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction.
            Some college, no degree
            $35,550**Interpreters and Translators**
            Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language.
            Bachelor's degree
            $57,090
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about adult education in your state, visit
U.S. Department of Education
For more information about teaching and becoming a teacher, visit****
Teach.org


                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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