Adult literacy teachers instruct adult students, including recent immigrants and early school leavers, in basic reading and writing skills, usually on primary school level. Adult literacy teachers involve the students in the planning and executing of their reading activities, and assess and evaluate them individually through assignments and examinations.
The following job titles also refer to adult literacy teacher:
instructor in adult literacy and numeracy teacher of adult literacy and numeracy adult literacy instructor adult literacy lecturer literacy tutor teacher of adult literacy skills for life teacher adult literacy and numeracy instructor
Adult Literacy Teachers often work in community centers, libraries, colleges, or adult education facilities, although some may teach online or offer one-on-one tutoring. Their schedules may vary based on class times, often offering evening or weekend classes to accommodate adult learners. The role is highly interactive and requires patience, empathy, and strong communication skills to support learners who may face diverse challenges. Although the job is typically part-time, full-time positions are available, especially in programs funded by government agencies or non-profit organizations.
Most Adult Literacy Teachers have at least a bachelor’s degree in education, English, or a related field, with additional certification or training in adult education or literacy instruction. Skills in ESL (English as a Second Language) and knowledge of learning disabilities can also be valuable. Many teachers gain experience through volunteering or interning with literacy programs, where they develop the instructional and interpersonal skills needed to work with adult learners. Continuing education and professional development in literacy strategies, digital tools, and adult learning principles are beneficial for success in this role.
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
Adult literacy teacher is a Skill level 4 occupation.
This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of adult literacy teacher.
Assessment processes: Various evaluation techniques, theories, and tools applicable in the assessment of students, participants in a programme, and employees. Different assessment strategies such as initial, formative, summative and self-assessment are used for varying purposes.
Adult education: Instruction targeted at adult students, both in a recreational and in an academic context, for self-improvement purposes, or to better equip the students for the labour market.
Learning difficulties: The learning disorders some students face in an academic context, especially Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and concentration deficit disorders.
Curriculum objectives: The goals identified in curricula and defined learning outcomes.
These skills are necessary for the role of adult literacy teacher.
Guarantee students’ safety: Ensure all students falling under an instructor or other person’s supervision are safe and accounted for. Follow safety precautions in the learning situation.
Teach writing: Teach basic or advanced writing principles to varying age groups in a fixed eduction organisation setting or by running private writing workshops.
Teach basic numeracy skills: Instruct students in the principles of mathematical literacy including basic mathematical concepts and calculations.
Prepare lesson content: Prepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.
Teach reading strategies: Instruct students in the practice of discerning and understanding written communication. Use different materials and contexts when teaching. Assist in the development of reading strategies suitable for learners’ needs and goals, including: skimming and scanning or for the general comprehension of texts, signs, symbols, prose, tables, and graphics.
Teach literacy as a social practice: Instruct adult learners in the theory and practice of basic literacy, more specifically in reading and writing, with the aim of facilitating future learning and of improving job prospects or optimal integration. Work with adult learners to address the literacy needs arising from their employment, community, and personal goals and aspirations.
Observe student’s progress: Follow up on students’ learning progress and assess their achievements and needs.
Liaise with educational support staff: Communicate with education management, such as the school principal and board members, and with the education support team such as the teaching assistant, school counsellor or academic advisor on issues relating to the students’ well-being.
Manage student relationships: Manage the relations between students and between student and teacher. Act as a just authority and create an environment of trust and stability.
Adapt teaching to student’s capabilities: Identify the learning struggles and successes of students. Select teaching and learning strategies that support students’ individual learning needs and goals.
Apply teaching strategies: Employ various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct students, such as communicating content in terms they can understand, organising talking points for clarity, and repeating arguments when necessary. Use a wide range of teaching devices and methodologies appropriate to the class content, the learners’ level, goals, and priorities.
Assess students: Evaluate the students’ (academic) progress, achievements, course knowledge and skills through assignments, tests, and examinations. Diagnose their needs and track their progress, strengths, and weaknesses. Formulate a summative statement of the goals the student achieved.
Adapt teaching to target group: Instruct students in the most fitting manner in regards to the teaching context or the age group, such as a formal versus an informal teaching context, and teaching peers as opposed to children.
Demonstrate when teaching: Present to others examples of your experience, skills, and competences that are appropriate to specific learning content to help students in their learning.
Give constructive feedback: Provide founded feedback through both criticism and praise in a respectful, clear, and consistent manner. Highlight achievements as well as mistakes and set up methods of formative assessment to evaluate work.
Provide lesson materials: Ensure that the necessary materials for teaching a class, such as visual aids, are prepared, up-to-date, and present in the instruction space.
Apply intercultural teaching strategies: Ensure that the content, methods, materials and the general learning experience is inclusive for all students and takes into account the expectations and experiences of learners from diverse cultural backgrounds. Explore individual and social stereotypes and develop cross-cultural teaching strategies.
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of adult literacy teacher. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
Teamwork principles: The cooperation between people characterised by a unified commitment to achieving a given goal, participating equally, maintaining open communication, facilitating effective usage of ideas etc.
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of adult literacy teacher. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Assist in the organisation of school events: Provide assistance in the planning and organisation of school events, such as the school’s open house day, a sports game or a talent show.
Assign homework: Provide additional exercises and assignments that the students will prepare at home, explain them in a clear way, and determine the deadline and evaluation method.
Facilitate teamwork between students: Encourage students to cooperate with others in their learning by working in teams, for example through group activities.
Construct individual learning plans: Set up, in collaboration with the student, an individual learning plan (ILP), tailored to the student’s specific learning needs, taking into account the student’s weaknesses and strengths.
Provide immigration advice: Provide immigration advice to people seeking to move abroad or require entry in a nation in terms of necessary procedures and documentation, or procedures dealing with integration.
Assist students with equipment: Provide assistance to students when working with (technical) equipment used in practice-based lessons and solve operational problems when necessary.
Develop curriculum: Develop and plan the learning goals and outcomes for education institutions, as well as the required teaching methods and potential education resources.
Manage resources for educational purposes: Identify the necessary resources needed for learning purposes, such as materials in class or arranged transportation for a field trip. Apply for the corresponding budget and follow up on the orders.
Advise on lesson plans: Analyse policy issues which impact on students’ experience of education. Advise on the ways in which lesson plans for specific lessons can be improved in order to reach education goals, engage the students and adhere to the curriculum.
Teach digital literacy: Instruct students in the theory and practice of (basic) digital and computer competency, such as typing efficiently, working with basic online technologies, and checking email. This also includes coaching students in the proper use of computer hardware equipment and software programmes.
