Teaching, administration, and curriculum development, as well as positions in regulatory and accrediting agencies, are all possibilities in adult education. While many people enjoy teaching adult students, the field of adult education necessitates the training of competent individuals in support roles. Adult education careers require a wide range of qualifications, with some people working in the field holding advanced degrees and others learning on the job.
Adult education courses vary in topic and scope, with some geared toward assisting adults who lack basic academic skills, such as the ability to read and write, while others prepare adults for new careers or job skills. Adult education teachers who teach remedial subjects may require additional training and licensure. Other instructors work in adult education as continuing education or enrichment instructors. While an adult education degree is available, many adult education teachers only have a bachelor’s degree in their field of expertise, though they may also be licensed or recognized by a licensing board to provide training in a specific trade or profession.
Administration of adult education schools and programs is another adult education career option. Administrative positions at community colleges, trade schools, and universities that offer adult education programs can range from office support to high-level management. Students may interact with office support workers on a regular basis, and they may offer assistance with course scheduling, selection, and financial issues. They might also help instructors make sure they have the facilities and equipment they need to teach their classes. Managers and higher-ranking officials in adult education may work with accreditation and regulatory agencies, hire instructors, and approve curriculum.
Curriculum development and instructional design may be of interest to those who do not want to work directly with students but want to work in adult education. Curriculum and instructional aids for adult education programs, such as textbooks, workbooks, and online learning platforms, are designed by these professionals. Because online education for adults is so popular, many adult education instructional designers specialize in creating online courses.
There are several adult education careers for those who want to work for government licensing bodies or third-party accreditors because educational programs are frequently regulated or subject to outside scrutiny. These individuals could work to establish quality education criteria and benchmarks for educators to meet. Instructors, schools, and curriculum may all be evaluated. Adult education programs are the focus of some licensing bodies and accrediting agencies, which credential programs that are of sufficient quality and prepare students for future careers.