GED Instructor Job Description
A General Educational Development (GED) instructor, also called an adult secondary or GED teacher, helps adults obtain their GED and a brighter future. The job is rewarding because the instructor works with students with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. An instructor may volunteer. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2008 a GED instructor earned a median wage of $22.26 an hour.
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Duties
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A GED instructor teaches students the necessary lessons to pass the examination. The instructor focuses on the five areas students are tested on such as writing, math, reading, social studies and science. In addition, the GED instructor helps students improve how they process information and communication skills. The instructor teaches critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. A GED instructor prepares lesson plans. The teacher must teach at the pace of students. According to BLS, a GED instructor may assist students in obtaining community resources such as health care, job placement or applications for colleges and universities.
Education
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An individual needs at least a bachelor's degree to be a GED teacher. However, employers may prefer an applicant with a master's degree or graduate certificate in adult education. An instructor must take professional development courses to keep up with new or current teaching requirements and enhance skills.
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Licensure
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An individual must obtain a licensure to teach in state or local governmental programs. According to BLS, states require an individual pass a specific state adult education teaching licensure or a public school teaching licensure. Usually, licensure requirements include a bachelor's degree and training from an approved teaching program.
Qualifications
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An individual must meet qualifications such as the ability to work with students one-on-one or in groups. The GED instructor needs the ability to work with students from different cultures, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. The instructor must understand students' current circumstances and future goals. A person in this career must have a variety of skills, such as the ability to motivate students and communicate effectively, to be successful.
Considerations
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A GED instructor typically works with highly motivated adults. Thus, an instructor doesn't encounter students with emotional or behavior problems that may be associated with younger students. An instructor may teach one or several classes. Typically, a GED instructor works part-time and may have a full-time job in addition to teaching. The individual teaches GED courses at various times of day, depending on students' schedules---which includes evenings and weekends.
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References
- Photo Credit woman and a teacher at seminar image by Dmitry Goygel-Sokol from Fotolia.com
