Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
Adult basic education and English as a Second Language instructors teach out-of-school youths and adults foundational skills in reading, writing, and math, or help them earn high school equivalency credentials. They work in community colleges, adult education centers, nonprofit organizations, libraries, and workplace training programs.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Instructors prepare lesson plans tailored to diverse proficiency levels and learning needs. During classes, they teach literacy or English language skills, assess student progress, and adjust instruction accordingly. Outside class time, they grade assignments, meet with individual students, develop curriculum materials, and collaborate with counselors or social service providers to support student success.
Who this work suits
Holland code SAC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you enjoy helping others develop new abilities and find fulfillment in direct teaching relationships. A combination of social engagement with creative lesson design appeals to you—you appreciate both the interpersonal connection and the artistic challenge of making complex material accessible.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $68,750 | $102,030 | $125,090 | 1,660 |
| New Jersey | $59,870 | $81,100 | $94,450 | 1,350 |
| Delaware | $62,390 | $78,600 | $82,670 | 200 |
| New York | $64,460 | $78,010 | $96,650 | 2,810 |
| Minnesota | $61,540 | $76,800 | $84,410 | 2,880 |
| Connecticut | $56,160 | $72,180 | $83,090 | 410 |
| Washington | $59,330 | $69,990 | $79,800 | 1,310 |
| Louisiana | $46,070 | $66,870 | $77,570 | 100 |
| Oregon | $54,920 | $65,700 | $101,980 | 510 |
| West Virginia | $64,280 | $65,050 | $65,690 | 250 |
| Wisconsin | $49,140 | $64,980 | $80,190 | 1,050 |
| Virginia | $49,440 | $64,540 | $83,500 | 700 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Citrix Certified Sales Professional (CCSP) — Citrix Systems Incorporated
- ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) — American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
- ACTFL Limited Oral Proficiency Interview Certification (OPI) — American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
- ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview - Computer (OPIc) — American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
- ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) — American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
- AAPPL Rater Certification — American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-3011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.