The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the
University of Toronto (OISE/UT)
Edited by Daniel Schugurensky
This site includes questions and answers on Adult Education that were written by students in the course 'Outline of Adult Education' at OISE/UT. The questions are first raised in class by the students themselves. Then they organize in teams in order to research and answer them. New entries are added regularly. This website is intended to provide information about the field to new students and to those who have a general interest in Adult Education. Anyone is welcome to submit a question and/or answer.
Prepared by Maria Casciato, OISE/UT
There
are many different avenues to take in searching for a job opportunity in Adult
Education. While we live in a
society that promotes life long learning, it is important to note that many
positions in Adult Education are part-time, voluntary, contract or few
full-time. However, having said
that, the vast spectrum of opportunities will provide one with the experience
and knowledge to grow in their career and achieve stability. As many Adult
Educators have no formal educational background, relying solely on their work
experience, it is an advantage to those with a degree and pedagogical training
to enter the profession and gain experience while on the job.
Adult Literacy, Remedial and Self-Enrichment Teachers:
Opportunities
for jobs as adult literacy, remedial, and self-enrichment education teachers
are very good for several reasons. A large number of job openings will arise
to replace people who leave the occupation due to turnover (it is prevalent
in this occupation due to its many part-time jobs) or retirement. Much of
the growth in employment will be for ESL teachers who will be needed by the
increasing number of immigrants and other non-English speakers entering this
country. In addition, a greater percentage of immigrants are expected to
take ESL classes.
Working
in the Arts, such as Popular Theatre:
Art
museums and dance companies that
have an educational purpose and these informal adult education organizations
often seek people with an English background. (Paulo Freire was involved
with Popular Theatre in his career)
Working
in various educational departments:
Working in the continuing education or extension departments of community colleges, vocational colleges, libraries, volunteer organizations, and universities across Canada. Every spring and fall mailboxes in everywhere overflow with Further Education/Continuing Education and "Re-tooling" course opportunities from almost every institution one can think of: the YMCA/YWCA, churches, libraries, most higher education institutions, even private businesses and corporations. These organizations need people to develop and implement these courses, and to prepare the many marketing materials that go with them all. In addition, virtually every institution of higher education and every training institution have information officers, or the like, on staff.
Working
in the Private Sector:
Working as
an Advisor or Trainer in a corporation is an excellent opportunity to serve
as an educator to a growing need. Working
with the organization to customize courses to suit the needs of the
employees, allows the Adult Educator to gain expertise in specific sectors
of the workforce and can lead to further consultant roles in similar
industries. One in five employees have taken educational activities
sponsored by their employer, either within the organization or beyond.
However, it is important to note that it is typically the larger
organizations offering training programs to their employees, either as
Professional Development or Leadership training.
Other
job opportunities that use a wide variety of skills and aptitudes are:
Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle and secondary school teachers
Special Education teachers, counselors and social workers
Self-enrichment teachers, as many more people embrace life long learning
Teach at the College or University level (must have qualifications, and accreditations)
ABE instructor (Adult Basic Education)
Community Educators in the area of Health and Disease Prevention, Citizenship, Life Skills, Violence and Safety, and Women’s Rights.
Trade
Unions or Specialty / Private Schools are ideal for educators with specific
skills in a particular area and can instruct in a ‘hands-on’
environment.
Specific
job opportunities in the Toronto area that required Adult Educators are:
Community-based
training programs at neighbourhood centres like Dixon
Hall and COSTI.
Organizations, such as St. Stephens, need teachers to facilitate courses such as a customer-training course.
The Toronto District School Board offers a Personal Support Worker training program as well as training in various computer applications.
The TDSB adult high schools offer academic upgrading and require adult education teachers with English, math and other specializations.
Good Will offers customer service and janitorial training.
Other
community-based training programs like Working Women, Rexdale
Community Microskills Development Centre (Rexdale Micro-Skills), Rexdale
Women's Enterprise Centre offer self-employment for women, assistance with
developing personal management and business skills, counseling and support
for new business start-ups. Rexdale operates a 20-week program, with
12 weeks business start-up support and an Enterprise Centre for incubation
of new businesses. Other professional services, such as networking and
mentoring, are also provided to assist the participants.
Many organizations require a university degree, such as English, to teach adult
literacy, ABE, and remedial education. As well, some require training or
certification in ESL (or other specialized training) that would be beneficial in
this stream of occupations.
References:
Councils
of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC): Report to UNESCO on Adult Education
(WWW page) URL:
http://www.cmec.ca/international/adulted-en.stm#2
College
Graduate, Career Information (WWW page) URL:
http://www.collegegrad.com
St. Francis Xavier University (WWW page)
The Learning Curves, Anne McDonagh, annemcdo@nobelmed.com
Home Page Biography Courses Quotes by Adult Educators Q&As Links Search
History of Education: Selected Moments Lifelong Citizenship Learning Project Reviews of Freire's Books
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Last updated on February 12, 2004.