What degrees will allow me to teach literacy or even ESL in schools or for adults? I'm a junior in college and have little resources in my area for this. I would rather teach adults. Can someone tell me the usual pay-grade for an adult literacy teacher, as far as I know most are volunteer(and if this is the case I would like to get into training now). Can anyone verify this and help me? Thanks, God bless!

I'm teaching ESOL to adults. I retired from teaching high school English. That is my only training. I get paid very little, so it is almost like volunteering. I really enjoy my students. At times I'm sure that I learn more from them than they do from me.
What I have found as far as a degree is in the Master's programs. Of course different universities have different courses that they require. TESOL is a national organization for ESL/ESOL teachers. You might want to check their website. You could also look in the phone book for a "Literacy Council" or an ABLE (Adult Basic Literacy Education) program.

It's very tough to get full-time jobs in these areas. There are lots of volunteer or part-time positions though. If you are willing to work part-time, you'd have a better chance if you have a degree in education and some experience as a volunteer. I made $22/hr when I taught adult ESL part-time. I think that's about normal although of course it would depend on what kind of area you work in.

I also taught for a federal program (Even Start Family Literacy Program) full-time. I worked on literacy and ESL with parents and their children. For this position, they wanted someone who at least had teacher certification. I had my MA in TESOL when I was hired about two years ago. Even with my advanced degree, I only made about $24,000/year. The pay is really bad. I now teach public school ESL and make over $40,000 (and don't have to work summers).

To teach ESL at most community colleges, you need at least a Master's.

If teaching literacy is something you want to do as a career, I'd suggest getting teacher certification so you can teach younger students as well. It will give you more job options, and a lot of programs for teaching adults really like to see that you have your certification. At some universities, you can get a grad degree in adult education, but the job prospects are so low in this field that I honestly would not recommend it as a job if you need to support yourself.