Online Adult Education Degree Programs

An online adult education degree is an excellent choice for individuals who want to provide adult training in colleges, universities, vocational schools, and continuing education programs.

Through online adult education degree programs, students who want to upgrade their current credentials can learn new skills and become equipped to teach life-long learners well into the adult years.

Many jobseekers are also attending adult education online programs in order to obtain the skills necessary to get a job. This has caused an increased the demand for skilled adult education teachers to provide ongoing adult education training and courses.

Accredited Online Adult Education Degree Programs & Certificates

Capella University offers the following adult education online program:

• M.S. in Education - Postsecondary and Adult Education

Walden University is an accredited institution that offers online advanced degree programs to professionals working to advance the greater good. The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership offers the following adult education online programs:

• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Higher Education and Adult Learning
• Ph.D. in Education - Adult Education Leadership

Adult Education Online Programs

Because adult learners tend to be self-directed and goal-oriented, online adult education degree programs enable them to learn at their own pace, without having to attend a traditional on-campus college. Adult education degree courses and programs are available through a variety of online universities and prepare the student to teach adult students in a variety of settings, including: local school districts, adult learning centers, and community colleges. Currently, most online courses for adult education are only available at the masters and doctorate, or PhD, level.

There are many subjects that fall under the umbrella of adult education, and with an adult education online degree program, students can learn how to teach a variety of topics, including basic mathematics and language skills for non-English speakers and students working toward their GED.

Other topics are available, as well, and generally equip teachers to help their adult students become more productive citizens, as well as improve their skills related to business, work culture, and family standards. Remedial courses teach basics in math, reading, languages, history, writing, science, and other areas. An online adult education degree program will help you learn how to teach the basics to adult learners, using the most up-to-date strategies.

What Makes a Good Adult Education Teacher?

The best kind of adult education teacher is one who can work with students from a variety of cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds. Teachers of adult education programs need to be flexible with their planning in order to meet the needs of a variety of students. Creativity and good communication skills are essentials assets, as well.

Requirements to Teach Adult Education

Most programs require teachers to have at least a bachelors degree, and some states require standard teacher's certification for those teaching publicly funded programs. With the increase of immigrating non-English speaking adults, there will be plenty of work for adult education teachers in the years to come. Online adult education programs are most accessible for busy individuals, so teachers can expect full classrooms and ongoing work.

Salary Prospects for Teachers of Adult Education Programs

Although adult education teachers typically start out part-time, full-time employment is possible, and these individuals often have the opportunity to move into administration positions, as well. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008, salaries for adult education teachers are expected to go up by 14% by 2016, especially for those teaching English language courses. The average earnings of adult education teachers in 2006 were $43,910, with the lowest 10% earning $24,610, and the highest 10% earning more than $75,680.

Adult educators, like all teachers, need to have the skills and patience required to teach students from diverse backgrounds. With such positive outlook for job growth and salaries in the years ahead, pursuing an online adult education degree is a wise choice.

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