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What is a general education instructor and how to become one

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

A general education instructor, also known as a general education teacher, is responsible for instructing students in the core academic curriculum. They may work in all levels of education, starting from primary school to college.

The duties of a general education instructor do not differ from that of any other teacher. Their typical workflow consists of creating lesson plans, delivering lectures, administering various activities, assessing students, documenting progress, and providing additional instruction to students when necessary. They may also perform other duties such as chaperoning field trips, facilitating school-wide events, and working with school administrators.

Like any other teacher, a general education teacher must have a degree in education and a teaching license before they can teach in a classroom. Some schools also require general education teachers to have prior experience, but one can start teaching with only formal training.

The salary of a general education instructor also does not differ from other teachers. On average, they make around $40,000 to $60,000.

What general advice would you give to a general 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.
ScoreGeneral Education InstructorUS Average
Salary
4.6

Avg. Salary $58,566

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.9

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.28%

Asian 11.21%

Black or African American 7.31%

Hispanic or Latino 10.40%

Unknown 4.96%

White 65.84%

Gender

female 54.31%

male 45.69%

Age - 46
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 - 46
Stress level
6.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.1

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

General education instructor career paths

Key steps to become a general education instructor

  1. Explore general education instructor education requirements

    Most common general education instructor degrees

    Bachelor's

    53.0 %

    Master's

    30.5 %

    Associate

    7.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific general education instructor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Professional Development9.50%
    Syllabus7.73%
    Curriculum Development6.75%
    Course Objectives5.54%
    Teaching Methodologies5.40%
  3. Complete relevant general education instructor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New general 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 a general education instructor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real general education instructor resumes.
  4. Research general education instructor duties and responsibilities

    • Utilize blackboard management system to encourage online discussions and manage grades.
    • Subject areas include science, English, and mathematics.
    • Inform students about course requirements, evaluation procedures, and class participation requirements according to the course syllabus.
    • Create inclusive lesson plans base on the NCSCOS to supplement instruction for students performing below grade level in reading and mathematics.
  5. Prepare your general education instructor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your general 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 a general 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 general education instructor resume templates

    Build a professional general 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 general education instructor resume.
    General Education Instructor Resume
    General Education Instructor Resume
    General Education Instructor Resume
    General Education Instructor Resume
    General Education Instructor Resume
    General Education Instructor Resume
    General Education Instructor Resume
    General Education Instructor Resume
    General Education Instructor Resume
  6. Apply for general education instructor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a general 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 general education instructor job

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Average general education instructor salary

The average general education instructor salary in the United States is $58,566 per year or $28 per hour. General education instructor salaries range between $37,000 and $92,000 per year.

Average general education instructor salary
$58,566 Yearly
$28.16 hourly

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How do general education instructors rate their job?

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General education instructor reviews

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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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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Cons

Pay and no 401K that matches


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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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