Transitioning from K–12 to Adult Education: What You Need to Know

Though national conversation about education largely focuses on grades K–12, there is also a great need for high-quality adult education in the U.S. As industries evolve rapidly and lifelong learning becomes the norm, there’s growing demand for skilled adult educators who can help learners reskill, upskill, or earn professional credentials.

Globally, the adult vocational education market is projected to grow significantly over the next decade. In the U.S., the rise of micro-credentials, online learning programs, and employer-led training initiatives reflects how adult learners are driving a structural shift in the way education is delivered.

Adult education environments are uniquely different from K–12 settings. Learners often juggle work, family, and other responsibilities, and their motivation tends to be specific and self-directed. OECD research points out that much of non-formal adult learning is very short-term, making it all the more important for facilitators to design learning with immediate relevance and clear progression.

Many K–12 teachers already possess strengths that align well with adult education, including deep pedagogical knowledge, experience building trust in the classroom, and the ability to scaffold learning. Their skills in differentiated instruction and curriculum planning provide a strong foundation for facilitation, whether in community colleges, corporate training, or workforce-development programs.

All told, this is an excellent moment for K–12 educators considering a transition to adult education. This blog post explores what that transition entails.

Pedagogy vs. Andragogy: Understanding the Differences

K–12 educators entering adult education often find that the fundamentals of good teaching still apply, but the dynamics of the classroom shift. Adult learners bring experiences, skills, expectations, goals, and responsibilities that influence how they engage with new content. The basic differences between the two types of teaching break down like so:

How teaching children typically works (pedagogy):

• The teacher sets the structure, pace, and expectations for learning.
• Students rely on the educator to break down concepts and guide them step-by-step.
• Curriculum requirements often determine what is taught and when.
• Motivation can vary widely, so teachers build engagement through encouragement and routine.

How teaching adults typically works (andragogy):

• Learners expect a say in how learning happens and why it matters.
• Experience becomes a resource; adults connect new ideas to what they already know.
• Relevance drives participation; adults want practical, immediately useful content.
• Time is limited, so learning must feel efficient and respectful of competing priorities.

Moreover, adult learners respond best when educators move from directing to facilitating. Essentially, instruction needs to become a dialogue rather than a one-way delivery of information. Flexibility, collaboration, and real-world application should be prioritized over rigid pacing guides, since learners need to use their new knowledge to solve problems, not simply absorb content.

Common Challenges in Transitioning From K–12 to Adult Education

It takes time for K–12 teachers to adjust to the different rhythms and expectations of an adult learning environment. Two primary challenges tend to stand out for educators making this move.

1. Adjusting to adult learning styles and expectations
   Adults arrive with clear goals, priorities, personal experience, and a sense of autonomy. They want to understand the purpose of each activity and apply their new skills quickly while contributing their perspective. For K–12 educators, the challenge often isn’t a gap in instructional skill, but adapting to a group that expects collaboration over direction. This can mean loosening the class structure and inviting learners to help shape discussions, rather than following a prescriptive plan.
2. Navigating new instructional environments and technologies
   Adult education takes place in settings that look very different from schools: corporate training rooms, hybrid workshops, community programs, or fully online platforms. Many programs rely on learning management systems, digital collaboration tools, and short-format modules instead of traditional class periods. Educators accustomed to a school-based routine may need time to adapt to these technologies and to the faster cadence of adult professional learning.

As long as you remain aware of these shifts, you can anticipate what feels unfamiliar and begin building the skills to deliver confident, effective facilitation.

Strategies for a Successful Transition to Adult Education

Adult educators need to cultivate an instructional approach that respects adult learners’ experience, autonomy, and motivations. Here are five strategies to support a smooth and effective shift:

1. Gain expertise in adult learning theory
   First, understand the principles of andragogy. Building an awareness of students’ motivations, prior experiences, and capacity for self-directed learning can help you design lessons that are engaging, relevant, and goal-oriented.
2. Apply learner-centered practices
   Adult learners thrive when instruction is tailored to their needs. Facilitating discussion, encouraging peer-to-peer learning, and connecting content to real-world challenges puts learners at the center and makes learning more meaningful.
3. Integrate trauma-informed approaches
   Many adult learners have experienced interruptions in education or life challenges that affect their learning. Recognizing and responding to these experiences with empathy and flexibility fosters a safe environment where all learners can succeed.
4. Build facilitation skills
   Moving from “teaching” to “facilitating” requires confidence in managing group dynamics and prompting reflection rather than delivering information. Strong facilitation keeps learners engaged while empowering them to take an active role in their growth.
5. Develop leadership capabilities
   Adult educators often serve as mentors, trainers, or professional development leaders. Strengthening leadership skills such as peer coaching and providing constructive feedback ensures that a transition into an adult education role will be sustainable and impactful.

How Professional Development Facilitation Training Can Help

You can accelerate your move from K–12 to adult education with formal training. The Professional Development Facilitation and Leadership Certificate from the University of San Diego equips educators with the skills needed to lead in adult learning environments.

In completing this self-paced, three-course certificate program, K–12 educators can position themselves for a variety of adult education roles, from workplace trainer and instructional coach to academic director or continuing education instructor. The program’s flexible format enables participants to learn at their own pace while earning graduate-level extension credits.

If you’re ready to bridge the gap between pedagogy and andragogy, consider USD’s Professional Development Facilitation and Leadership Certificate to shorten the learning curve and reduce trial-and-error in real-world adult education settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is andragogy and why is it important for transitioning educators?

Andragogy is the theory and practice of teaching adult learners. Unlike most children, adults bring experiences, motivations, and the ability to self-direct to the learning process. Understanding andragogy helps transitioning K–12 educators adapt their teaching approach, design relevant learning experiences, and facilitate discussions that engage adults effectively.

What skills do you need to teach adults?

Effective adult educators need to be able to apply adult learning theory, lead discussions, create practical learner-centered experiences, use technology for various formats, and coach or guide professional development initiatives using andragogy principles.

Where can educators get training in adult learning facilitation?

Formal training is available through programs such as the University of San Diego’s Professional Development Facilitation and Leadership Certificate. This three-course, online, self-paced program teaches adult learning theory, instructional design, facilitation, and leadership skills, preparing educators for professional development and adult education roles.