Adult Literacy and Remedial and Self-enrichment Education Teacher Job Descriptions & Career Opportunities

Adult literacy and remedial and self-enrichment education teachers are three different job titles, which have core similarities that allow them to be classified together. They basically teach different levels of adult education. Each level focuses on a different set of academic or life skills. Adult literacy teachers have expertise in teaching reading and writing in English. Those teachers usually conduct classes that teach student to which English is their second language.

Remedial education teachers fall into two categories: ABE, adult basic education and ASE, adult secondary education. Adult basic education teachers instruct students that have a knowledge set that falls below an eighth grade level. Adult secondary education teachers focus on those skills necessary for obtaining a GED, general education diploma.

Self-enrichment teachers instruct students in one specific area. This could be finances, art, musical instruments, dancing, or cooking among others. Self-enrichment classes can be taught one on one or in groups. Self-enrichment teachers are experts in the specific subject matter being taught. These classes are usually short-term.
Adult Literacy and Self-Enrichment Teacher Job Responsibilities

Someone interested in teaching adults must have those skills necessary to speak and listen effectively. An educator should be able to think critically and creatively. They should comply with institutional rules and requirements. Additionally, they must show competency in those subject areas being taught, as well as, the ability to foster a creative learning environment. Any type of educator should prepare lesson plans in advance.

An educator of adults is expected to stay abreast of current teaching standards, techniques, and modern technologies which are used in the classroom. These are including but not limited to: computer software, ceiling-mounted or desk-top projectors, and general clerical equipment. Adults often have day-time work schedules, therefore, classes for adults are often taught in the evenings and on weekends. Thus, adult education teachers must be willing to work those hours required for the position.
Adult Literacy and Self-Enrichment Teacher Training and Education Requirements

Adult literacy and remedial education teachers are required to obtain, at minimum, a bachelors degree in education or a related field. Several employers expect applicants to have a masters degree. In addition to that some states require an additional teaching license or certificate. Many positions require teaching experience. However, there are numerous volunteer positions a teacher could hold in order to gain that experience.
Education requirements for self-enrichment teachers vary greatly depending on the subject matter being taught. For example, a piano teacher may only need to demonstrate the necessary skill set that comes from years of taking piano lessons, whereas, a teacher of finances may be required to have a degree in economics.
Adult Literacy and Self-Enrichment Teacher Salary and Wages

An adult educator’s salary varies greatly. Many of these types of teachers either work part-time or are self-employed. A teacher hired by a company or school, to work full time, can receive a higher pay. The average hourly rate for an adult literacy or remedial education teacher that works part-time is about $22.00. The average salary for a full time adult literacy or remedial education teacher is between $45,000 and $46,000 annually.

A self-enrichment education teacher makes less on average than an adult literacy teacher. The average hourly rate for a self-enrichment teacher that works part-time is about $17.00. A full-time self-enrichment teacher can expect a salary of about $36,000 annually.
Adult Literacy and Self-Enrichment Teacher Certifications

An adult literacy or remedial education teacher is expected to meet certain criteria when employed by the state they work. For example, many states require an adult educator to obtain a teaching license, while others accept a certificate or training classes. The criteria for these licenses vary. Some states require extensive paperwork and a competency exam. Other states require formal classes in addition to a bachelors or masters degree.

Self-enrichment teachers, in many cases, are not required to be certified. Certification requirements depend on which area of expertise they are instructing, as well as, employment status. Someone who is self-employed may not need the same qualifications required by a teaching institution. However, depending on the area being taught, a certification or otherwise extensive training may prove useful in creating a large student base.
Adult Literacy and Self-Enrichment Teacher Professional Organizations

Teaching licenses are often offered by the state department of education. However, some states require a teacher to obtain a license or certificate from other sources. Some of the organizations offering these are:

    Utah.gov offers license renewal on-line at https://secure.utah.gov/elr/welcome.html.
    Alabama offers teaching certificates at the teacher education and certification office. This program is offered by the state department of education for Alabama and must be completed in person.
    Alaska offers certification at the state department of education and early development office. Applications can be found on their website: http://www.eed.state.ak.us/TeacherCertification/default.cfm. However, the state of Alaska requires notarization and a competency exam among other things.
    Arizona offers training programs through various institutions: The BEST program is available at Arizona State University. The teacher induction program is at Northern Arizona University. Finally, the Arizona master teacher program is available at the Arizona K-12 Center.