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A GED (General Educational Development) is a high school equivalency diploma. A GED teacher helps students that did not graduate high school, to pass a GED test and earn their high school equivalency diploma. Additionally, these teachers assess the skill level of a student and instruct them on topics that are on the GED test. Some teachers instruct in a classroom setting or tutor students one-on-one. Next, watch a video to learn what a GED teacher does.
How to Become GED Teacher
To become a GED teachers, you will need a bachelor’s degree. However, some employers (such as community colleges) may want applicants 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. Additionally, adult education programs prepare you with the skills to teach adults effectively, teach those 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 help students pass the topics contained on the GED test so the student can pass. Additionally, they adapt their teaching methods according to a student’s needs. Some students may have learning disabilities, so in these cases they also adapt their teaching method to help meet their needs. In addition to monitoring a student’s progress, they also encourage and teach students 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. They are typically employed by public schools, community colleges, or community-based organizations and often work part-time.
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.