Key Points

• Adult Education Instructors teach adults in subjects such as literacy, GED prep, ESL, and workforce readiness.
• In New York, instructors must hold a bachelor’s degree and, in many cases, teacher certification through the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
• Teachers in EPE-funded programs must be certified (Adult Education or K–12).
• The average salary for instructors is $84,380 per year, per BLS.
• Find accredited adult education programs in New York through Dreambound.

What Does an Adult Education Instructor Do?

Adult Education Instructors teach adults of all ages who want to improve academic or job skills. They help students prepare for the GED, learn English as a Second Language (ESL), or train for specific careers. Instructors design lessons, assess progress, and help learners gain the confidence needed to succeed at work and in life.

Where Does an Adult Education Instructor Work?

Adult educators teach in community colleges, BOCES centers, public school districts, correctional facilities, literacy nonprofits, and libraries. Some also work in community-based organizations or workforce programs funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or Adult Literacy Education (ALE) grants.

Requirements to Become an Adult Education Instructor in New York

To qualify as an Adult Education Instructor in New York, requirements depend on the program type and funding source:

1. For EPE (Employment Preparation Education) Programs

Only school districts and BOCES may apply for EPE state aid, and all EPE-funded teachers must be certified.

Per Section 406 of the Employment Preparation Education State Aid Manual:

• Certification: EPE aid can only be generated by a certified teacher — either Adult Education certified or K–12 certified.
• Teachers who hold a valid provisional, permanent, initial, or professional NYS teacher certificate (in any subject or grade) may generate EPE aid in any program area.
• Teachers pending approval for Adult Education certification may also qualify for EPE aid if documentation of application is provided.
• To receive Adult Education certification, individuals must be recommended by a school district superintendent and apply through the Office of Teaching Initiatives’ TEACH Online Services System.

To apply for Adult Education Instructor Certification:

1. Create a TEACH account via NYSED’s TEACH Online Services.
2. Choose:
   • Area of Interest: Other School Services
   • Subject Area: Adult Education
   • Grade Level: Adult Education
   • Title: Adult Education Instructor (select the applicable title)
3. Upload a district recommendation letter signed by a superintendent.

Note: Some agencies may have additional credential requirements beyond EPE funding. Always confirm with your local district or BOCES administration.

2. For Other Adult Education Programs (Non-EPE)

For community-based organizations, libraries, community colleges, and nonprofits, teacher requirements vary by funding source:

• Adult Literacy Education (ALE) and WIOA-funded programs set their own credential standards.
• These employers may accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree, relevant teaching or industry experience, and strong communication skills, even if they are not NYS-certified.

Tip: Certification is always preferred in public programs but not always mandatory in community-based or privately funded adult education settings.

How to Become an Adult Education Instructor in New York?

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Start with a bachelor’s degree in education, English, social sciences, or a related field. This foundation builds your understanding of teaching, learning psychology, and communication skills.

Step 2: Complete a Teacher Preparation or Certification Program
If you plan to teach in a school district, BOCES, or EPE-funded program, complete a state-approved teacher preparation program recognized by NYSED.

Compare adult education instructor programs in New York to find accredited classes that match your career path.

Step 3: Apply for Adult Education Certification (EPE Programs Only)
Create your account on the TEACH Online Services System, then select:

• Area of Interest: Other School Services
• Subject Area: Adult Education
• Grade Level: Adult Education
• Title: Adult Education Instructor

Include your district recommendation letter from a superintendent and any required documents. Pending applications may still qualify for EPE aid if properly documented.

Step 4: Gain Classroom Experience
Certification and program hiring often require hands-on teaching experience. You can gain this through student teaching, internships, or volunteering at community education centers or ESL programs.

Step 5: Pass the NYSTCE Exam
The New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) include an Adult Education assessment covering instruction, literacy development, and classroom management for adult learners.

Step 6: Apply for Certification through NYSED
After meeting all education and exam requirements, apply through the NYSED TEACH portal. Submit transcripts, exam results, and application fees to obtain your Adult Education Instructor Certificate.

Step 7: Find Adult Education Jobs in New York
Explore available teaching opportunities on MyNextMove for Adult Education Instructors in New York. Positions are available in schools, BOCES, libraries, and nonprofit education programs across the state.

Step 8: Maintain and Renew Your Certification
Certified teachers must periodically renew their credentials through NYSED by completing continuing professional development or graduate coursework. EPE-funded instructors must maintain active certification to continue generating EPE aid.