Adult and vocational education teachers teach basic education, self-improvement courses, and occupational training skills.

Adult and vocational education teachers help adults earn their high school diploma or equivalent, and help immigrants learn English. They teach by means of lectures, assignments, and demonstrations.

Vocational teachers combine academic and vocational courses with a hands-on approach, to teach students real world skills. They prepare students for specific vocational or technical careers.

Vocational teachers teach in:

• Secondary schools
• Factories
• Trade schools
• Business offices
• Junior colleges
• Colleges
• Universities

Vocational teachers help people learn procedures and develop the skills they need to get started in an occupation. They also help people who are already working improve or update their skills. They help employees adapt to changes in their occupations, such as new processes, new technologies, new products, new regulations, or changed attitudes and expectations. They may help employees learn the skills they will need when they are promoted, or the skills that will let them work at new jobs.

Vocational teachers plan programs or training sessions, evaluate and select materials, and give demonstrations or classes. They also talk to students about their work, discuss how to learn from mistakes, and how to evaluate and select materials. They may help people with disabilities or handicaps develop job skills. They also may help students prepare for licensing or certification exams.

Teachers of adults often adapt materials to meet the needs of students, usually on a one-to-one basis. Teachers assign and correct homework and select books and materials for basic reading and math classes. They may help students improve their language skills. They sometimes refer students to counselors and recruit new students.