How to Train to Teach GED Classes
Many organizations hire GED teachers. The students range in age and in life experience and create a nontraditional learning experience for both student and teacher. Adult education programs, not-for-profits, public schools, private schools, prisons and juvenile detention facilities are always looking for qualified GED instructors.
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Instructions
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Determine the necessary teaching certification requirements to teach GED courses from your state's department of education. Some states require requisite teaching certification to teach general education courses, or have certification requirements in other areas such as English, mathematics, or science.
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Obtain the certification credentials to teach GED. Sometimes certification is reciprocal from one state to another, and other times states will accept transfer credits from courses taken, minimizing additional coursework you'll have to take.
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Query schools that offer GED exams about the qualifications required of the GED instructors they hire. Search within public and private schools, non-profits, adult education organizations, government agencies, correctional institutions and juvenile detention facilities.
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Take a GED test yourself. Most state departments of education have sample tests on their websites.
The American Council on Education offers free sample GED questions (link in Resources). In addition to getting a feel for the kind of content you'll need to be prepared to teach, you'll develop a sense for the type of test-taking skills students must have to master it. In most cases, this will be an important combination of knowledge and strategy in math, reading, writing, science and social studies.
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Tips & Warnings
* You must have a bachelor's degree. If you have one, gather together your transcripts. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite to teach GED. The disciplines in bachelor's programs that lend themselves best in terms of employer desirability include education, social work, psychology or languages.
* While a master's degree isn't required, it might make the difference in getting hired over someone else. A master's in adult education is often preferable. Understanding the needs of adult students can help meet the nontraditional needs of GED students.
* Private and non-profit organizations may require a specific certification areas to teach GED, while others might require or even offer specific GED certification.
