Employers

Adult education teachers, including those teaching real estate classes, can find work in a variety of different schools and education programs. Community and junior colleges offer classes in real estate ranging from property management and appraisal to broker administration. Park districts often have adult enrichment classes available in a variety of real estate-related interests.

Teachers are also hired for long-distance education programs and to lead continuing education courses for corporations and professional associations.

Starting Out

Most people entering this field have some professional experience in real estate, a desire to share that knowledge with other adults, and a teaching certificate or academic degree. Real estate teachers with previous practical experience in the market are highly regarded.

When pursuing work as a real estate teacher, you should contact colleges, private trade schools, vocational high schools, or other appropriate institutions that have real estate programs in place to receive additional information about employment opportunities.

Many colleges, technical schools, and state departments of education offer job lines or bulletin boards of job listings. Check with your area park district for possible employment opportunities. You can also often find job openings in the classifieds of local newspapers or journals. Try the Vandema Web site (http://www.vandema.com/Journals.htm) for a list of magazines pertaining to the commercial real estate industry.

Advancement for a skilled educator teaching classes at a community college or park district may mean a larger class load, higher pay, or additional teaching assignments dealing with different real estate specialties. They may also work towards a goal of someday teaching full time at a larger college or university. Teaching at this level may require a master’s degree or doctorate.

Many educators, especially those with a good reputation, are tapped to speak at real estate seminars or provide continuing education classes at industry conferences.

Try to land a position as an instructor at a college or university.

Join the Real Estate Educators Association (REEA) to access training, networking, and employment opportunities.

Become certified by the REEA as a means to demonstrate your skill as an educator.

Gain as much experience in the real estate industry as possible to increase your qualifications.