Profile and training needs of teachers of adult education in Spain

The principal aim of this work is to identify the profile and training needs of teachers of adult education in the Community of Madrid (Spain) (CM). For this, an ad hoc questionnaire was developed with items grouped into five dimensions: 1. evaluation of teacher training; 2. topics on which teacher training should focus; 3. characteristics that teachers should possess; 4. specificity of Adult Education Centres (AECs), and 5. teacher motivation and expectations in relation to their professional future. The final sample consisted of 153 teachers from 31 selected AECs. Reliability and a validity analyses were conducted on the results of the questionnaire. The responses of teachers were notably homogeneous regardless of age, years of experience, etc. and teachers expressed a high degree of commitment and dedication to their profession.