Employment of adult literacy and General Education Development (GED) teachers, also known as adult basic and secondary education and literacy teachers and instructors, is expected to grow by 15 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected from continued immigration to the United States and demand for adult education programs.
From 2010 to 2020, the number of Americans who need adult education is expected to continue to increase. Many adults leave high school before getting their high school diploma and seek their diploma or GED through an adult education program.
In addition, traditional schooling does not give some adults the literacy or other skills they need to find employment. These students often seek to improve their skills in adult education programs later in life. Adult literacy and GED teachers will be needed to instruct them and run adult education programs.
Furthermore, immigration is expected to continue to grow from 2010 to 2020. Some immigrants do not speak English and will want to improve their communications skills to find jobs in the United States. Adult literacy teachers who teach classes in English as a second language will be needed to help these students gain the required skills.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition