Qualifications to teach adult education fall into three main categories: degree requirements, licensure stipulations and temperament. To get qualified to teach adult education, you will need to meet the requirements in the first two categories, and having certain personality traits will be beneficial. The minimum educational requirements in most places is a bachelor's degree, but some require a master's degree in a specific area, such as adult learning. A public school teacher license or adult education teacher license might also be required. Beyond these demands, the possession of certain temperament and personality characteristics are needed to become successful in this career.
Some adult learning programs provide training in areas that equip teachers for this field. Topics include technology, instructions in teaching adults with learning disabilities and training in certain languages. Many programs administered by local or regional governments mandate the possession of a special license to teach in this area. This requirement might be in the form of a public school teacher license or an adult education teacher license. Prerequisites for a license to teach adult education typically are a bachelor's degree and the successful completion of a teacher training curriculum.
Anyone qualified to teach adult education should be a good communicator. The ability to motivate students and show respect for people from different backgrounds is essential. It might be necessary to teach how to develop basic study habits. Some adults can be intimidated about the learning process, so it is desirable that those teaching in this field have the ability to empathize and encourage
Teachers involved in the adult education programs might instruct students in the basics of reading, writing, math, science and social studies. Those who teach adult education might encounter students who have physical or mental impairments that pose special challenges. A good teacher must have familiarity with community resources in order to refer special-needs students to the help they need. This is a career in which teachers should derive much satisfaction from improving the lives of people. The acquisition of basic education will open doors that heretofore had been closed to them.
