Skip to Main Content

Adult and Vocational Education Teachers

Education and Training Requirements

High School

As an adult education teacher, you will likely focus on a particular study area, so take the high school courses that best suit your interests. You must also follow a college preparatory plan, taking English, math, foreign language, history, and government courses. Speech and communications courses will help you prepare for speaking in front of groups of people. No matter what subject you teach, writing skills are very important because you'll be preparing reports, lesson plans, and grading essays.

Postsecondary Training

Before becoming an adult education teacher, you'll need to gain some professional experience in your teaching area. A bachelor's degree is also usually required. Requirements vary according to the subject and level taught, the organization or institution offering the course, and the state where the instruction takes place. Specific skills, however, are often enough to secure a continuing education teaching position. For example, a person who is well-trained in painting and has some professional success in the area may be able to teach a course on painting even without a college degree or teaching certificate.

Other Education or Training

The Association for Career and Technical Education offers a variety of online and in-person continuing education opportunities.