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Prison Educator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Prison Educator information

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How much do prison educator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison educator in Virginia is $22.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prison educator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prison Educator, you need a solid background in education, subject matter expertise, and often a teaching license or relevant certification. Familiarity with learning management systems, assessment tools, and correctional facility protocols is typically required. Exceptional communication, cultural sensitivity, and resilience are crucial soft skills for engaging and supporting incarcerated learners. These skills ensure effective instruction, foster positive learning environments, and help reduce recidivism through education.

What is the difference between Prison Educator vs Prison Counselor?

AspectPrison EducatorPrison Counselor
Required CredentialsTeaching certification or relevant educationCounseling certification or psychology degree
Work EnvironmentClassrooms within correctional facilitiesPrivate or group counseling sessions in correctional settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, correctional facilities

Prison Educators focus on teaching academic or vocational skills within correctional facilities, requiring teaching credentials. Prison Counselors provide mental health support, requiring counseling certifications. Both roles work within correctional environments but serve different inmate needs, making them distinct yet complementary roles in the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by prison educators, and how can they be addressed?

Prison Educators often encounter challenges such as limited access to resources, varying literacy levels among students, and the need to adapt teaching methods for a secure environment. Building rapport and trust with incarcerated learners is essential, as is maintaining flexibility to accommodate institutional schedules or restrictions. Successful educators collaborate closely with correctional staff and other educators to create a supportive learning environment while adhering to security protocols. Ongoing professional development and peer support can help in overcoming these challenges and enhancing teaching effectiveness.

What is a prison educator?

A prison educator is a professional who provides educational instruction and training to individuals incarcerated in correctional facilities. Their goal is to help inmates improve literacy, earn diplomas or degrees, develop vocational skills, and prepare for successful reentry into society. Prison educators may teach a variety of subjects, including basic education, GED preparation, vocational skills, or life skills. They play a crucial role in rehabilitation by offering inmates opportunities for personal and professional growth.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Prison Educator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Prison Educator job openings:

Infographic showing various Prison Educator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,476 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Adult Education Teacher: Wallens Ridge State Prison #ED004

State of Virginia

Wise, VA • On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Full-time

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State Of Virginia rating

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Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

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Job description

Adult Education Teacher: Wallens Ridge State Prison #ED004

Apply now Job no: 5107876
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Wise, Virginia
Categories: Public Safety, Educational and Media Services

Title: Adult Education Teacher: Wallen's Ridge State Prison #ED004

State Role Title: Trainer and Instructor II

Hiring Range: $67,254.00 - $91,919.00

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: Wallens Ridge State Prison

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

To provide quality instructions and to meet the individual needs of the students in the areas of Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Educational Diploma (GED). Additionally, to meet the standards defined under the Commonwealth's statutes and program certification requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant educational field.
Experience teaching adults and or youth and knowledge and experience of policy and procedure governing adult education is required.
Licensure: Must possess a Collegiate Professional or Postgraduate Professional Teaching License from the Virginia Department of Education (VADOE) or qualify for reciprocity from another state and without deficiencies.
(For Licensing Information Visit: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/index.shtml)
Please note you are responsible for any renewal points to maintain a teaching license under the guidelines of Virginia Department of Education to comply with the requirements for your continued employment in this position. If you are seeking reciprocity from another state, you must submit all documentation for a Virginia Teaching License within 90 days of employment and satisfy all requirements within a year.

Additional Considerations

Specialty training or licensure endorsement in Math or Science. Experience teaching adults and or youth in a correctional or alternative education setting. Knowledge and experience of policy and procedures governing adult correctional education. Knowledge of correctional education classroom management. The ability to supervise students and inmate aides in the correctional facility; knowledge of the Department of Corrections (DOC) institutional policies and procedures.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:
Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.
Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver's License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.
Application Requirements: Application and/or resume for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or resumes will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or resume.
Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or resume.
VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-659-8424

Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS/RESUMES / WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 06 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 28 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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