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Career Profile

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

What they do:

Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.

Also Called:

Adult Basic Education Instructor (ABE Instructor), Adult Basic Education Teacher (ABE Teacher), Adult Education Instructor, Adult Education Teacher, ESL Instructor (English as a Second Language Instructor), ESL Teacher (English as a Second Language Teacher), ESOL Teacher (English for Speakers of Other Languages Teacher), GED Instructor (General Educational Development Instructor), GED Teacher (General Educational Development Teacher), Teacher, Adult Basic Education Instructor (ABE Instructor), Adult Basic Education Teacher (ABE Teacher), Adult Education Instructor, Adult Education Teacher, ESL Instructor (English as a Second Language Instructor), ESL Teacher (English as a Second Language Teacher), ESOL Teacher (English for Speakers of Other Languages Teacher), GED Instructor (General Educational Development Instructor), GED Teacher (General Educational Development Teacher), Teacher

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$39,690
Starting Salary (2025)
$45,330
Median Salary (2025)
-13.7%
Projected Job Growth
320
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress and make suggestions for improvement.
Observe students to determine qualifications, limitations, abilities, interests, and other individual characteristics.
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs, abilities, and interests.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Integrity
Self-Control
Adaptability/Flexibility
Concern for Others
Independence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Instructing
Learning Strategies
Speaking
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Writing

Expected Knowledge

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Common Activities

Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 4

Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Bachelor's degree 41%
  • Master's degree 20%
  • Associate's degree 11%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 11%
  • High school diploma 11%
  • Other 5%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
Tutors
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.