FAQ

What qualifications do I need to teach adult literacy and numeracy?

Where can I find out what the acronyms mean?

Where can I find more information about the adult literacy field?

How can I find a class?

What do I need to become a literacy volunteer?

Where can I do volunteer tutor training?

How can I find somewhere to volunteer?

 

Q: What qualifications do I need to teach adult literacy and numeracy?

To work effectively with a sound teaching pedagogy, VALBEC believes it is advisable to hold a university teaching degree or higher. This could be a Bachelor, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate of Education (primary or secondary teaching). There is no current qualification specifically designed for adult literacy and numeracy, although a number of universities include units in their undergraduate and post graduate Education courses which consider relevant theory and practice such as those which focus on applied learning, literacy development and learner centered teaching.

The minimum qualification required for teaching in accredited adult literacy and numeracy courses at TAFE and ACE providers is the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA), or its predecessor the Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training. The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA) does have an elective unit that looks at adult literacy and numeracy in VET teaching.

A new qualification specifically designed to prepare adult literacy and numeracy teachers is currently in development. The Vocational Graduate Certificate in Literacy and Numeracy Practice is likely to be available late 2010 or 2011. While VALBEC is pleased to see the development of a specific qualification which will give a grounding in adult literacy and numeracy we believe that a post graduate qualification is desirable.

An alternative option for those interested in teaching adult literacy is to train as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. This requires a tertiary teaching qualification with a TESOL method and a minimum of 60 hours practicum - for example Bachelor of Education with TESOL method, Diploma in Education with TESOL method, TESOL within a Graduate Certificate in Education. This will qualify you to teach accredited ESL courses in TAFEs and private providers but will also give you some skills which help in teaching adult literacy. These qualifications are offered at most universities.

The 4 week Cambridge Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) will only qualify you to teach overseas students in private training organisations in Australia or to work in ESL overseas. It is not accepted in TAFEs or other government funded organisations as a recognised qualification for teaching accredited ESL courses.

Current as at November 2009

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Q: Where can I find out what the acronyms mean?

Visit our list of acronyms

 

Q: Where can I find more information about the adult literacy field?

Visit our list of useful links

 

Q: How can I find a class?

Visit our list of literacy course contacts

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Q: What do I need to become a literacy volunteer?
Understanding of diversity
Patience and commitment
No formal education requirements, competent knowledge of spelling, grammar, numeracy or spoken English

 

Q: Where can I do volunteer tutor training?
Holmesglen
http://www.holmesglen.edu.au/careers/education_and_languages/course_in_volunteer_tutoring_of_adult_learners

AMES
http://www.ames.net.au/index.php?sectionID=6748&pageID=6753

Centre for Multicultural Youth
http://www.cmy.net.au/VolunteerTutorTraining

Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre (CNLC)
http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/cnlc1/volunteer.html

 

Q: How can I find somewhere to volunteer?
http://www.govolunteer.com.au/

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