Adult education teachers teach adults and younger students no longer enrolled in school basic skills like reading, writing, speaking English, and math that will help them be independent in society. Types of instruction include (1) adult basic or remedial education for adults at or below an eighth-grade level; (2) adult secondary education for those who wish to earn their General Educational Development (GED) certificate; and (3) English literacy instruction for adults with limited English skills, often known as English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. Adult Literacy Teachers Adult literacy teachers work with those seeking help with basic skills such as reading, writing, and math, and those who are preparing to obtain their GED certificate. Adult literacy teachers are usually required to have at least a bachelor’s degree and possibly a master’s degree in adult education. Licensure may also be required. All adult literacy and remedial teachers prepare lessons and paperwork and must keep up to date on developments and trends in their field. Because attendance is usually voluntary, work is often ungraded and students are often quite motivated, potentially making this teaching atmosphere less stressful for instructors. Many adult literacy teachers work part-time and many do so from their homes. Volunteers also perform adult literacy instruction. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the 2007 median earnings for adult literacy teachers was $44,710; the highest-paid 10% made more than $77,820 while the lowest-paid 10% made less than $25,310. Full-time adult literacy teachers generally receive benefits if they work for a school or government institution while part-time adult literacy teachers are often paid by the hour or by the class and receive few if any benefits. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there were approximately 76,000 adult literacy teachers in 2006 and estimates there will be 87,000 in 2006 for 14% growth. The BLS characterizes this as "much faster than average," and cites the reason for such growth as employers’ needing a more literate workforce. Teachers who speak a foreign language will be especially desired as more immigrants enter the United States and seek employment. Degrees for Adult Literacy Teachers To become an adult literacy teacher, you will probably need at least a bachelor’s degree and possibly a master’s degree in adult education. Certificates Regis University: Adult Learning, Training, and Development Certificate Master’s Degrees Argosy University: MA Education/Adult Education and Training Capella University: MS Postsecondary and Adult Education Jones International University: MEd Adult Education Regis University: MEd Adult Learning Doctorate Degrees Capella University: PhD Postsecondary and Adult Education Walden University: EdD Higher Education and Adult Learning Walden University: PhD Adult Education Leadership