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What is an education instructor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Rodney Foster

If you're a strong communicator, a good listener, are patient, and love to share best practices, you may have the perfect traits needed to become an education instructor. Educational instructors typically provide basic education and/or GED preparation by facilitating an environment where students can learn math and reading skills. Instructors transfer their expertise through delivery of formal and informal training. They produce supplemental training materials, evaluate learners, and provide feedback on learning performance. They also design, develop, administer, and score tests.

To excel as an education instructor, you'll need to apply effective time management principles in the classroom, ensure curricula and content are current and relevant, and apply objective criteria in evaluating student performance. In addition, you'll also need to know how to use a variety of delivery methods, such as lectures, demonstrations, and instructional technology.

Most educators are required to hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA, pass a background check, and complete a student teaching program.

What general advice would you give to an education instructor?

Rodney FosterRodney Foster LinkedIn profile

Instructor - Aviation Maintenance Technology Instructor - Airframe & Powerplant Technology, Orange Coast College

Orange Coast College (OCC) teaches Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) and Avionics. Although the Government has dampened air travel by putting up restrictions to prevent a Covid-19 spread, there is still a certified mechanic/skilled labor shortage. I believe all our students will have permanent jobs within a six-month search. OCC AMT is listed as an essential workforce by the state of California and is back in classes full-time, Face-to-face labs, and online lectures. Our next semester registration maximum filled in two days and still has over 35 additional students per class on the waiting list.
ScoreEducation InstructorUS Average
Salary
2.9

Avg. Salary $37,103

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.8

Growth rate -6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.53%

Asian 5.99%

Black or African American 11.38%

Hispanic or Latino 15.04%

Unknown 5.69%

White 61.37%

Gender

female 58.26%

male 41.74%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
6.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
8.9

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Education instructor career paths

Key steps to become an education instructor

  1. Explore education instructor education requirements

    Most common education instructor degrees

    Bachelor's

    61.6 %

    Master's

    17.0 %

    Associate

    12.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific education instructor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Classroom Management14.65%
    Kids11.88%
    CPR10.06%
    Math7.37%
    Curriculum Development6.79%
  3. Complete relevant education instructor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New education instructors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an education instructor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real education instructor resumes.
  4. Research education instructor duties and responsibilities

    • Oversee benchmark testing procedures including: scheduling, managing and ensuring test procedures mirror the TAKS testing procedures and policies.
    • Work with students in their literature circles.
    • Cross disciplines by teaching research methods and applications through media & literature.
    • Conduct group/individual mathematics and science activities.
  5. Prepare your education instructor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your education instructor resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an education instructor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable education instructor resume templates

    Build a professional education instructor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your education instructor resume.
    Education Instructor Resume
    Education Instructor Resume
    Education Instructor Resume
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    Education Instructor Resume
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    Education Instructor Resume
    Education Instructor Resume
    Education Instructor Resume
  6. Apply for education instructor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an education instructor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first education instructor job

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Average education instructor salary

The average education instructor salary in the United States is $37,103 per year or $18 per hour. Education instructor salaries range between $19,000 and $71,000 per year.

Average education instructor salary
$37,103 Yearly
$17.84 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do education instructors rate their job?

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Education instructor reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

The transfer of knowledge and the joy on the student's face when they understand

Cons

The low pay which is often offered


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

I like seeing student grow intellectually and succeed in life. I was employed for nine years with the Fort Worth ISD and very instrumental in helping numerous of my students earn their GED. I counseled with those students interested in a,post-secondary education. I acquired a TEA Adult Education Certification through action research studies. I received the certification (August 8, 2010) two years ahead of my fellow adult education teachers in Tarrant County.

Cons

I desired to see more innovative curriculum that would elevate the students endeavors to rapidly complete the GED program. Through my doctorate studies and degree I readily recognize problem areas and weaknesses of students by advanced assessments.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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