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How to hire an adult education instructor

Adult education instructor hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring adult education instructors in the United States:

  • The median cost to hire an adult education instructor is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per adult education instructor on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 10,285 adult education instructors in the US, and there are currently 43,991 job openings in this field.
  • Spencerport, NY, has the highest demand for adult education instructors, with 8 job openings.

How to hire an adult education instructor, step by step

To hire an adult education instructor, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a adult education instructor:

Here's a step-by-step adult education instructor hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write an adult education instructor job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new adult education instructor
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an adult education instructor do?

Adult education instructors are teachers in continuing and adult education who are working in various settings. The instructors teach adult students a range of courses including high school equivalency, math, literacy, and art. They teach English as a secondary language to students as well as cooking, health, and technology. It is their responsibility to instruct adults in preparatory and remedial education classes. Their job may or may not be performed in a traditional educational institution.

Learn more about the specifics of what an adult education instructor does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring an adult education instructor, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect adult education instructor also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    This list shows salaries for various types of adult education instructors.

    Type of Adult Education InstructorDescriptionHourly rate
    Adult Education InstructorAdult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers instruct adults in basic skills, such as reading, writing, and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalent diploma.$14-32
    French TeacherA french teacher specializes in teaching the french language among students. Although the extent of their responsibilities usually depends on their institution or company of employment, it usually includes preparing lessons and coursework plans, presenting audio and visual learning materials, organizing individual and group activities, administering examinations, grading quizzes and tests, and assisting students as necessary... Show more$18-30
    College InstructorA certified veterinary technician is in charge of performing laboratory tests, participating in medical procedures, and performing clerical support tasks at veterinary clinics, zoos, and private laboratories. Their responsibilities often include collecting information from pet owners, studying patients' medical histories, gathering and analyzing samples from patients through various laboratory procedures, operating equipment and machines, and monitoring patients' conditions... Show more$16-35
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Math
    • Professional Development
    • Social Studies
    • Course Curriculum
    • Equivalency
    • Language
    • Syllabus
    • Adult Education
    • English Language
    • Language Arts
    • Evaluates
    • Instructional Materials
    • Computer Literacy
    • Curriculum Development
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage groups of kids on a daily basis in the field to ensure safety while participating in activities.
    • Empower new immigrant ESL non-literate students with verbal and writing language skills enabling employ.
    • Plan curriculum, including PowerPoint slides, class activities, and course materials.
    • Plan and co-taught a weekly adult English class for students' parents and community members
    • Collaborate both within and outside of ESL department in an effort to streamline educational process.
    • Develop and co-taught beginning and advance level classes to adults
    More adult education instructor duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the adult education instructor job description is a good way to get more applicants. An adult education instructor salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

    For example, the average salary for an adult education instructor in Arkansas may be lower than in California, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level adult education instructor. Additionally, an adult education instructor with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average adult education instructor salary

    $45,926yearly

    $22.08 hourly rate

    Entry-level adult education instructor salary
    $31,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 31, 2026

    Average adult education instructor salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$87,097$42
    2Washington$64,637$31
    3New York$59,309$29
    4Pennsylvania$56,811$27
    5Wyoming$52,733$25
    6Massachusetts$51,157$25
    7New Jersey$49,867$24
    8South Carolina$48,924$24
    9Texas$47,477$23
    10Virginia$45,235$22
    11Wisconsin$44,511$21
    12Florida$43,738$21
    13New Mexico$39,406$19
    14Missouri$38,776$19
    15Colorado$37,643$18
    16Georgia$36,596$18

    Average adult education instructor salary by company

  4. Writing an adult education instructor job description

    A good adult education instructor job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an adult education instructor job description:

    Adult education instructor job description example

    Organization Type: Non-Profit, Faith-Based, 100+ Employees

    Position Type: School-Based; Part-Time; Hourly Non-Exempt

    Department: Women’s Academy

    Reports to: Program Coordinator

    Hours: 24 hours per week, typically weekdays between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

    Location : Women’s Academy suite at The Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron New Beginnings Academy; other metro Atlanta Wellspring Living locations as needed

    Position Summary: The Adult Education Program (AEP) Instructor is responsible for providing academic instruction and program services to the Women’s Academy participants as they prepare for their General Educational Development (GED)/HiSET exams. This position partners with the therapeutic, educational, and career skills staff to meet organizational goals and individual participant goals.

    Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

    Program Structure

    ∙ Facilitate daily academic instruction using test preparation curriculum and online tools

    ∙ Provide an individualized learning plan (ILP) for every participant, assessing their educational needs, preparing them for the Women’s Academy career track, higher education, vocational training, or scholarships to assist participants in achieving their identified goals

    ∙ Assist team and participants with identifying appropriate educational resources that help to remove barriers to higher education

    ∙ Create and actively manage the Adult Education curriculum using a variety of teaching strategies based on the needs of our participants

    ∙ Support and collaborate with volunteer AEP tutors

    ∙ Utilize the strength-based approach in working with participants, monitoring their participation and engagement, and providing accountability

    ∙ Assist the Program Coordinator and the AEP team with planning and implementing transition plans for participants, ensuring that the academy goals are being met

    ∙ Assist with data collection, reporting, and schedule coverage

    ∙ Perform other duties as assigned in the fulfillment of the needs, philosophy, and purpose of the Women’s Academy

    ∙ Stay abreast of and implement current topics and trends in adult education

    ∙ Observe and evaluate student's performance i.e. grading papers and providing feedback for online test prep program

    ∙ Utilize online learning platforms and digital tools to enhance student engagement and learning

    ∙ Adapt and differentiate instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs

    Healthy Living

    ∙ Develop intentional connections with the program participants and staff members ∙ Lead by example in modeling the characteristics of a Mission Driven Professional

    ∙ Provide direction and encouragement to participants and staff

    ∙ Model healthy boundaries to participants and staff

    ∙ Provide support and crisis intervention as needed

    ∙ Embody the spirit of a lifelong learner

    Professional Qualifications:

    ∙ Strong digital literacy skills and ability to use a variety of instructional methods and techniques.

    ∙ Administrative, organizational, and computer skills including use of email and Microsoft Office suite of products

    ∙ Documentation of references (at least two professional and one personal) that attest to the person’s capability of performing the duties of the position and to the person’s suitability of working with vulnerable populations

    ∙ Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field

    ∙ Minimum three years of relevant experience, such as in the field of adult education/high school equivalency or social or human services; experience preferred supporting adult victims of complex trauma

    ∙ Proficiency in high school level academia consistent with common core state standards ∙ Experience teaching remotely

    ∙ Knowledge of GED and HiSET exams

    ∙ Demonstrated ability to solve problems and to collaborate with a variety of participants and partners.

    Position Requirements:

    ∙ Occasional local travel related to participant or program needs and training

    ∙ Ability to lift objects up to 25 pounds and work for long periods at a computer ∙ Satisfactory criminal history background check

    ∙ Clean Motor Vehicle Record

    ∙ Satisfactory criminal history background check, including clearance with Atlanta Public Schools (APS)

    ∙ Transport participants in 15-passenger van to various locations throughout the Metro Atlanta area

    Skills:

    ∙ Analysis, evaluation, and objective critical thinking

    ∙ Initiative for effective administration and organization

    ∙ Efficiency and time management across multiple priorities

    ∙ Effective Communication and collaboration

    ∙ Discretion and confidentiality for sensitive or restricted information

    ∙ Strength-based tendencies

    ∙Relationship management across Wellspring staff, volunteers, participants, vendors, and partners

    Character Qualifications:

    ∙ Service driven

    ∙ Relationship focused

    ∙ Sense of ownership and stewardship

    ∙ Problem solver

    ∙ Professional

    ∙ Detailed

    ∙ Team player

    ∙ Reliable independent contributor

    ∙ Proactive

    ∙ Flexible

    ∙ Positive attitude

    ∙ Enthusiastic

    ∙ Persistent

  5. Post your job

    To find adult education instructors for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any adult education instructors they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level adult education instructors with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your adult education instructor job on Zippia to find and recruit adult education instructor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites such as k12jobspot, learn4good, serious teachers, teachingjobs.com.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with adult education instructor candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new adult education instructor

    Once you've found the adult education instructor candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new adult education instructor. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire an adult education instructor?

Hiring an adult education instructor comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting adult education instructors involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of adult education instructor recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

The median annual salary for adult education instructors is $45,926 in the US. However, the cost of adult education instructor hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring an adult education instructor for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $14 and $32 an hour.

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