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Education

Adult Education Instructor

Teach or instruct out-of-school youth and adults in developmental education classes, preparatory classes for the General Educational Development test, literacy, or English as a Second Language. Teaching may or may not take place in a traditional educational institution.

Annual openings

104

Median wage

$51,170

Typical education

This position doesn’t have a formal education requirement; however, an Associate’s degree is valued. Qualification for an Adult Basic Education Authorization, required in some situations, requires completion of these [courses](https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeadult/instructors/abea/handbook/courses).

Growth 2026–2032

-2%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

This position doesn’t have a formal education requirement; however, an Associate’s degree is valued. Qualification for an Adult Basic Education Authorization, required in some situations, requires completion of these courses.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

An Adult Basic Education Authorization (ABEA) is not required to teach some adult basic education in Colorado. However, it is valued and the Office of Adult Education Initiatives (AEI) requires the ABEA of all instructors teaching in programs receiving federal funds.

Experience detail

Previous training or education experience is valued, as is speaking a language in addition to English.

Employer competency information

  • ● Communication - Be perceptive and responsive listeners, able to communicate with students in a variety of ways and potentially multiple languages; help students to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively ● Instruction - Know and demonstrate knowledge of the content being taught, making the instruction and content relevant to students while fostering a positive learning environment and adjusting instructional approaches as needed ● Reading and Writing - Able to develop reading and writing skills in students, with a focus on supporting students with varying degrees of proficiency including those with English as a second language ● Psychology - Engage students with different learning styles and abilities by using a variety of models of inclusive and effective practices

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress and make suggestions for improvement.
  2. Observe students to determine qualifications, limitations, abilities, interests, and other individual characteristics.
  3. Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
  4. Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
  5. Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
  6. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
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