Adult education careers include teaching, administration, curriculum development, regulatory and accrediting agencies. Qualifications vary, with some requiring advanced degrees, while others obtain training on the job. Courses vary from basic academic skills to job skills or new careers. Administrative positions range from clerical support to senior management, while curriculum development and instructional design are also options. Licensing agencies and accrediting agencies establish criteria for quality education and evaluate instructors, schools, and curriculum.
Adult education careers are varied and include teaching, administration and curriculum development, as well as positions in regulatory and accrediting agencies. While many people can find great satisfaction in teaching adult students, the field of adult education requires the training of competent individuals in support roles. Qualifications for adult education careers vary considerably, with some people working in adult education with advanced degrees, while others may obtain their training on the job.
Adult education classes can vary in topic and scope, with some courses geared toward helping adults who lack basic academic skills, such as the ability to read or write, while other programs train adults in job skills or new careers. Teachers of adult education courses in these remedial subjects may need special training and licensing to do so. Other instructors spend their adult education careers teaching continuing education or enrichment classes. While it is possible to obtain an adult education degree, many adult education teachers simply hold a degree in their area of expertise, although they may also be licensed or recognized by a licensing board to provide training in a particular profession or trade.
Other adult education careers include administering schools and adult education programs. Administrative positions can range from clerical support to senior management, including academic positions at community colleges, trade schools, and universities offering adult education programs. Office support staff can interact with students on a regular basis and offer assistance with course scheduling, selection, and financial matters. They can also help instructors ensure they have the necessary facilities and tools to teach their courses. Adult education managers and senior officials can liaise with accreditation officials and regulators, hire instructors, and approve curriculum.
For those who are not interested in working directly with students but wish to pursue a career in adult education, curriculum development and instructional design can be of interest. These professionals design curriculum and learning materials for adult education programs such as textbooks, workbooks, and online learning platforms. Given the popularity of online adult education, many adult education instructional designers specialize in developing online courses.
Because educational programs are often regulated or subject to external scrutiny, there are a number of adult education careers for those who want to work for government licensing agencies or third-party accreditors. These individuals can work to establish criteria for quality education and benchmarks that educators must meet. They can also evaluate instructors, schools and curriculum. Some licensing bodies and accrediting agencies focus on adult education programs, accrediting programs that are of sufficient quality and that prepare students for future careers.
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