6 Adult Education Careers
Fortune has reported that increasing numbers of adults are returning to education to continue learning. Whether they’re interested in changing careers, upskilling, learning new languages, or exploring new hobbies, adult learners have many reasons for returning to school. With increasing demand for classes in continuing education or vocational training, people looking into adult education careers will find many avenues to pursue.
One of the most important adult education disciplines in the United States is teaching English language skills to those who need help developing their proficiency. To pursue this rewarding field, earning a Master in Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) degree can open doors to a range of options for careers in adult education.
What Does Adult Education Mean?
Adult education includes any learning activity undertaken by those over the age of 18. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and constantly evolving technology, older adults may take classes to become more technologically literate, upgrade their job skills, or pursue personal development. Working in adult education involves helping students with career preparation and advancement.
6 Types of Careers in Adult Education
Careers in adult education often focus on direct classroom experience, but in various settings.
The median annual salary for teachers of adult basic and secondary education and English as a second language (ESL) was $59,950 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and level of education. Adult educators can also work part time or full time, depending on the needs of the institution.
Adult educators who work in colleges and universities can also work as assistant professors or associate deans of adult education. Adults ages 21 and older, as well as other nontraditional students, regularly enroll in colleges and universities, so professors or administrators in this field are likely to work with these learners. They can also choose to work exclusively with older students.
Here are six adult education careers that education professionals can pursue.
1. ESL Teacher
Adults who need help with English language skills often seek out classes that focus on basic conversation and communication. These classes may also help meet their individual needs, offering instruction on communicating in the workplace and with service providers.
ESL teachers may also focus on cultural fluency, centering lessons on slang and pop culture that can help students understand and engage with their new communities.
2. Adult Education Instructor
Adult education instructors can work in various roles, such as vocational training, high school equivalency instruction, and even community education. Career technical education (CTE) combines classroom work with hands-on experience. When adults are interested in pursuing new technical careers, they can attend vocational schools or training programs.
Vocational schools focus on roles such as the following:
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Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) technician
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Electrician
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Auto mechanic
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Medical assistant
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Cosmetology professional
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Hospitality professional
These schools set up students to immediately join the workforce. Teachers in these programs often have experience in the field and advise students with their real-world knowledge.
Students who didn’t finish high school by age 18 may take high school equivalency classes to prepare for tests to earn a GED diploma later. Passing the GED tests, which cover four subject areas, demonstrates the same academic skills and knowledge as graduating from high school. Adult education instructors prepare students for the tests and identify future career prospects.
Working at a community center or an art studio is usually not a full-time position, but it’s a great opportunity to share skills and expertise with people looking to pursue new hobbies. Whether teaching art at a library, leading workshops at a pottery studio, or taking a hands-on approach with students in a garden, a range of opportunities are available to help adults develop new skills.
3. Assistant Professor
Working as an assistant professor in colleges and universities can be very rewarding. An advanced degree, such as a Master of Education (MEd) or a Master in TESOL, and teaching experience are required to get started. Assistant professors work with professors to create syllabi for their classes, grade student work, and host office hours for students to come for more specialized support.
4. Technology and Digital Literacy Instructor
Older adults who need assistance navigating new technologies can take digital literacy courses. Teachers in these programs need patience and expertise in answering questions about how technology works.
Coding boot camps are also a common way for adult students to learn the foundations of computer programming and transition to careers in the technology industry. Adults in these courses come from various backgrounds and educational levels, so teachers focus on providing differentiated and supportive instruction.
5. Associate Dean of Adult Education
For those who find education rewarding but want to make a bigger impact, moving into an administrative role is the right call. Associate deans at colleges and universities handle the operational tasks for a department, and they act as intermediaries between the dean’s office and the faculty. In adult education, associate deans field questions from faculty about their schedules and class assignments.
Associate deans also assess new course ideas from faculty and approve them, as well as approve faculty to work on research projects. They may have experience as professors themselves and can provide guidance to current faculty looking to grow as educators or move into administrative roles.
6. Curriculum Development and Instructional Designer
Experienced educators can move into other coordinator roles outside the classroom. Curriculum development (content, scope, and goals) and instructional design (delivery methods and engagement) in adult education offer teachers the opportunity to play a role in what students learn and how they learn it.
Curriculum developers assess courses and the content included within them to ensure that they’re up to current educational standards. They make regular updates to curricula with new information, new coursework, and supportive content. They also lay out standards for assessing student work. Instructional designers focus on classroom methods and actual content delivery. Once a teacher has mastered the curriculum, an instructional designer ensures that they’re equipped to teach it to students.
Requirements to Work in Adult Education
Individuals who are interested in working in adult education can benefit from a bachelor’s degree because they’ll have the opportunity to explore general education requirements and more specialized classes. At the same time, many colleges and universities provide opportunities to participate in peer tutoring, which is a way to get started with teaching other adults. Students can also gain practical experience in volunteering programs and through classroom experience.
States have different requirements for teaching licenses and certifications. Some employers may prefer teachers who have advanced degrees in teaching English to speakers of other languages.
For people looking to work in adult education with English language learners, earning a master’s degree may be necessary because of the varied needs of adults seeking fluency in English. They need to not only focus on the basics of grammar and vocabulary but also prepare for job interviews and navigate the bureaucracy of living in a new place.
Students in a Master in TESOL program take classes in differentiated instruction, which is crucial for helping nonnative speakers at different levels gain English knowledge. TESOL students also study the connection between language and culture and participate in a project that displays the ability to think and design multicultural and cross-functional lessons for the classroom. All of this foundational knowledge supports teachers in working well with adult learners of different backgrounds.
Skills and Responsibilities
Adult educators typically perform the following duties:
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Preparing syllabi and outlining courses
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Providing classroom instruction
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Creating differentiated instruction to serve students at different learning levels
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Maintaining student records (grades, attendance, and performance tracking)
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Guiding students through coursework and giving advice about future careers
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Staying up to date on professional development opportunities for students
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Managing classrooms
Soft skills for teachers emphasize the following aspects of social and emotional learning:
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Patience
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Receptiveness to questions
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Positive coaching
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Recognition of student successes rather than failures
Explore a Meaningful Career in Adult Education Today
In 2025, the U.S. Census Bureau released data on people age 5 and over who speak a language other than English at home. Of the more than 44 million people who speak Spanish at home, about 40% reported speaking English “less than ‘very well.’” Helping these individuals master English as a second language is critical to helping them succeed in their careers and engage with their local communities.
Wilson College Online’s Master in TESOL allows motivated professionals to pursue a degree in a flexible online environment. Students learn how to teach English with concrete skills, including writing, reading, conversation, and speech. While students don’t need to already have active teaching licenses, Pennsylvania-certified teachers can earn their ESL teaching license through the program.
Start your adult education career today with a Master in TESOL.
Recommended Readings
Do Teachers Need a Master’s Degree?
Education Career Paths by Degree
Immersive Learning vs. Experiential Learning
Sources:
Indeed, How to Become a Curriculum Developer (With Tips)
Indeed, How to Become a Vocational Teacher (Plus Skills and FAQs)
Indeed, How to Become an Associate Dean in 5 Steps (With Salary)
Indeed, “How to Become an Instructional Designer in 5 Helpful Steps”
Kaplan, Adult Educator Overview
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers
U.S. Census Bureau, New Data on Detailed Languages Spoken at Home and the Ability to Speak English
