III. EXPLORING POSITIONS
Description: A person who leads adults to learn such as a community-based trainer, independent consultant or college faculty.
Knowledge, Skills and Dispositions: The adult educator has a depth of knowledge in a specific field of study gained from college preparation and from experience. Besides the subject area, the adult educator knows about the adult learner, stages of adult development, and systems in which adults work and live. The skills of an adult educator are planning and facilitating learning environments and content, public speaking, negotiation and problem solving, and active listening techniques. The adult educator has dispositions of kindness, tact, humor, empathy, and confidentiality.
Employment Settings: The adult educator may work for a community-based organization to provide training for its members or the community at large. The independent consultant works in a variety of settings dependent on the nature of the training being presented. It may be in small groups or to very large audiences. College faculty works in an adult classroom environment within a large bureaucratic organization. Some are adjunct faculty positions (part-time, contracted to teach one or more courses, on a semester-by-semester basis) or tenure track, full-time positions.
Required Qualifications: Usually at least a bachelor’s degree is required for the adult educator except in certain circumstances where the person's knowledge and experience are a consideration and their level of higher education is less of a factor. Many adult educators complete a train the trainer course/s in the content area in which they educate other adults.
Preparation: The adult educator prepares by meeting the educational qualifications, gaining sufficient experience to be a credible authority on a specific subject, and developing public speaking and presentation skills. Experience may be gained by presenting at local conferences, participating in local speaking organizations such as Toastmasters International, and being mentored by an experienced adult educator who will give helpful advice.
Alternate Pathways: Sometimes adult educators have gained experience in other fields such as religious education and involvement in community organizations, scouting, or PTA. The experience in speaking and leading groups of adults in addition to education and training can prepare a person for a career in adult education.
Job Outlook: Where people want to learn, there will always be a need for someone to help them, whether it is providing workshops, seminars, or college classes. This position may be self-employment on a independent contractor basis or it may be a formal contract or employment.
Earnings:When an adult educator works for an agency, the sponsor and type of agency determine the salary range. As an independent consultant, depending on geographic area, expertise, and prior experiences, self-employed consultant fees may range from $25 per hour upwards into thousands of dollars for a speech or presentation. College faculty salaries vary greatly depending on the college or university of employment. Factors that impact college faculty salaries include whether the institution is public or private, a two or four year school, etc.
Opportunity For Advancement: As an agency employee, advancement depends on the organization, the size and the kinds of training it offers. As an independent consultant, you are your own employer. As college faculty in a tenure track position, advancement occurs through the ranks of Lecturer, Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor. Each level has criteria for advancement with an increase in salary. College faculty are typically ten-month employees with the opportunity for summer employment or additional responsibilities within the academic year that may result in additional income. Professional development funds are usually available for faculty but may not be available for the agency employee or consultant.
Related Careers:
Serving Children Directly – Does not apply
Serving Families Directly – Parent educator, college faculty, GED instructor, family educator
Serving Professionals – Mentor, CDA trainer, college faculty
Providing Information Goods and Services – Sales of educational merchandise