The Law on Adult Education in Serbia defines the main roles and activities of other education staff and staff involved in adult education and training. According to this law, various professionals in adult education institutions form networks dedicated to the development of adult learners. Based on their qualifications and competences, these staff members work collectively to ensure that adult education programmes are effectively implemented, continuously improved and responsive to participants’ needs. Through advisory work, direct instruction and supportive collaboration, they contribute to the adherence to the core principles of adult education and training.
Lecturers, trainers and instructors are professionals distinct from adult education teachers in that they deliver specialised adult education programmes and/or training. They must demonstrate the competences specified in the adult education programme. Their main activities include facilitating learning, training participants and guiding them through both practical or theoretical content tailored for adult learners.
Associates are responsible for the implementation of an adult education programme and the improvement of its quality. Their task is to provide advisory and professional support to ensure the effective implementation of educational activities. Like other staff members, associates must possess qualifications and competences outlined in the specific adult education programme they support. The most relevant activities of this staff are offering technical expertise or specialised knowledge to enhance programme content and delivery. This may include curriculum design, resource development or consultation on specific subject matters, ensuring that adult education activities meet high standards of quality and relevance.
Non-teaching professionals in adult education have an important advisory and supportive role in adult education. Their primary task is to enhance adult education through counselling and various forms of professional work, providing expert assistance to adult learners and programme implementers on issues essential to the success of educational activities. The Law specifies that non-teaching professionals include andragogues (adult education specialists), psychologists and librarians, each working within their area of expertise. Andragogues focus on the methodology and theory of adult learning, psychologists address the psychological needs of learners and librarians facilitate access to educational resources. Their main activities include developing programmes, offering psychological and academic support to participants and assisting in aligning activities with the needs of adult learners.
Pedagogical and andragogical assistants play a crucial support role in adult education and training. They focus on the individual needs of learners and candidates, providing assistance and additional support to them. These assistants must meet the qualifications and competences standards set by an adult education programme, ensuring they are equipped to address diverse learner needs. They usually help adult learners with comprehension, skill development or overcoming barriers to participation. In addition to providing direct learner assistance, they collaborate with programme implementers, non-teaching professionals, associates, organisations, associations and local government units.
According to the Bylaw on Pedagogical and andragogical assistants, these assistants are primarily assigned to individuals with disabilities, developmental challenges or other special needs to facilitate their inclusion in educational processes. In this context, andragogical assistants help adult learners in their educational programmes. The bylaw also defines the eligibility criteria, which require a formal request supported by documentation such as medical or psychological assessments and the specific qualifications of assistants. Additionally, it defines the assistants’ responsibilities and specifies the roles of local self-government units and educational institutions in assessing needs, approving requests and ensuring the provision of services. The focus is on the promotion of equal educational opportunities for all learners.