A GED (high school equivalency diploma) teacher accesses the education and skill level of students and instructs them in the skills needed to pass the GED test. Some teachers instruct in a classroom setting or tutor one-on-one. They are typically employed by public schools, community colleges, or community-based organizations and often work part-time.
Watch a video to learn what a GED teacher does:
How to Become GED Teacher
GED (high school equivalency diploma) teachers require at least a bachelor’s degree. However, some employers (such as community colleges) sometimes desire the applicant to have a master’s degree or graduate coursework in adult education. Some colleges and universities offer master’s degrees or graduate certificates in teaching adult education. Adult education programs prepare prospective teachers to use effective teaching strategies for adult learners, develop adult education programs, teach students with learning disabilities, and work with students from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.
Some states require adult literacy and GED teachers to have a teaching certificate to work in government-run programs while others may require certificates specifically for adult education. Other states want certificates in elementary or secondary education.
Job Description of a GED Teacher
GED teachers plan and teach lessons to students to help them reach their goals. They are able to adapt teaching methods to students according to their strengths and weaknesses. They evaluate a student for possible learning disabilities and adapt the teaching process to meet their learning needs. They also monitor a student’s progress and encourage good study skills. In some cases, a GED teacher helps students connect with other community resources like job placement services or mental health services. An adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teacher should be skilled in communication, cultural sensitivity, patience, and resourcefulness.
GED Teacher Career Video Transcript
Adults who have a high school level education and basic language and math skills, have far more opportunities than those who don’t. Adult Basic Education and literacy instructors teach those basic skills… and also help adult students complete their high school credential. Adult basic education teachers focus on teaching reading, writing, and math to students… usually adults who have not completed high school and who want to improve their work prospects.
High school equivalency and adult secondary education teachers prepare students to earn a high school equivalent diploma. Classes may include specific workplace vocabulary, skill development in critical thinking, and problem solving. English as a Second Language or ESL—teachers emphasize English reading, writing, and speaking for students whose native language is not English. Classes include practical vocabulary for jobs and daily living, and often, preparation for the citizenship exam. ESL teachers must be creative with their communication, as students in a class may not share a common language or read and write in their native language.
Adult Education and ESL teachers work in elementary and high schools, community education programs, and colleges. Many work part time, in the mornings and evenings. Typically, candidates need a bachelor’s degree. Some states require licensure or a certificate to teach, while some community colleges prefer candidates with related graduate coursework or a master’s degree.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teachers.
National Center for O*NET Development. 25-3011.00. O*NET OnLine.
The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
