On becoming an Adult Education Lecturer
The career profile of an adult education lecturer can be broad in scope, particularly in this era, because of an increasing demand for adult education. There are usually numerous employment options for adult education lecturers, because many adults are in a state of transition and forced to seek different employment, for which they need additional skills or training.
The web site, “Career Profiles”, discusses the importance of making an informed decision with “highly relevant, reliable and up-to-date career information and job search resources”.
In order to become an adult education lecturer, knowing and understanding the basic requirements is important. Consider the following aspects of a career profile, as an adult education lecturer:
Education:
Your current level of education will help to determine the number of options that you have as an adult education lecturer. If you already have a university or college degree, your horizons include the possibility of teaching on a professional, academic level. This could be part time day or evening courses, or full time work. You may decide to complete your degree, or upgrade your education first, by taking other courses.
Area of expertise:
There are numerous, viable options for adult education lecturers on professional and non-professional levels, some dependent upon your area of expertise. For example, if you are a health care professional with many years of experience in a certain area like palliative care, you will be able to convey your knowledge to other adult students interested in that same area. Even if you are a non-professional with expertise in some area, you may be able to lecture or teach adults.
Training:
Your previous training will determine to some extent whether you are able to lecture adult students. Have you had extensive training? You may want to upgrade your training further, in order to qualify as an adult education lecturer. For example, a middle-aged man has worked as a counselor in the area of alcohol and drug addiction counseling. He is able to lecture adult students, drawing from his training, but is unfamiliar with some of the current concerns regarding substance abuse and decides to upgrade.
Skills:
Over the years, you probably have acquired a vast number of different skills. Other adults can learn these skills from you, if you take on a position as an adult education lecturer. Many colleges are looking for adult education lecturers who have unique skills. Perhaps you want to upgrade your own skills first, before accepting a position. When you have acquired skills, it becomes immediately apparent to others. Teaching can be fun. For example, an elderly woman has been making quilts for years. Because she has quilt-making skills, she becomes an adult education lecturer and teaches what she knows to others. At the same time, she may need to learn how to use a different sewing machine.
Personal interest:
What is your specific area of personal interest? If you are a person interested in a certain area, you may already have acquired enough knowledge to teach other adults. For example, perhaps you are interested in nature photography. Your local college may be looking for a person who can lecture adult students on nature photography. This horizon may allow you the possibility of further advancement into other areas.
Ability to communicate:
Do you communicate well with adults? If so, you have one of the most important skills that adult education lecturers need to have. Remember that college and university students are adults, even though some of them are still young. Overcoming the fear of talking to adults may take time, but communicating effectively with them, will open a new door for you. For example, a middle-aged woman realizes that she can communicate well with young mothers and is able to lecture them about the importance of well baby care. If necessary, you may decide take a course in communication skills.
Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities as an adult education lecturer may vary, but will include preparation for lectures, lecturing and appropriate feedback. You may need to do other things like prepare assignments, mark tests and essays, etc. Depending upon what your lecture content will be, there may be other responsibilities like setting up a structured reading program, or creating a course curriculum.
Requirements:
Searching out the requirements for the position of adult education lecturer can prove to be interesting, as these vary considerably depending upon what the position requires. Is there a clinical aspect to your position? Age may not be important, but your availability will be a requirement to take into consideration. For example, are you available to lecture from seven to ten pm in the evenings, three days a week? If not, then you cannot meet those requirements. You may be able to set up a different time for your lectures, or change your schedule otherwise.
Funding:
For anyone seeking to become an adult education lecturer, there may be funding available for essential training, or upgrading, in certain areas. Academic counselors at colleges and universities will be able to assist you with finding appropriate funding, bursaries, student loans, etc. It is important to learn about the financial aspects of different programs, as your adult students may need to know this information also.
Resume:
When you are creating a resume, make a note of any lecturing or teaching positions that you have had in the past. You may have other kinds of work experience that relates to the job you are seeking as an adult education lecturer. For example, perhaps you have community experience in areas like adult sports.
Job interview:
When you go for your job interview, be prepared to answer the question of why you think you should qualify for the position of adult education lecturer. The person who interviews you may put you through a mock lecture, or teaching session, to see if you really can instruct others. Prepare for the unexpected!
Salary:
Depending upon your level of academic education, training and skills, your salary scale may vary. Upgrading in different areas can improve your status on the salary scale. Ask about future opportunities for promotion and advancement.
Job search:
One might suggest that there are no limits to a job search, with respect to becoming an adult education lecturer, as there are numerous opportunities. Look for a job that matches your profile, personality, education, training and skills.
You are the best judge of what you are able to do, but be honest with yourself. Having the courage to seek out an appropriate job is also important.
