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Prison Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate with Instructors teaching in the PEP for orientation procedures including Partner In Corrections (PIC) certification process; facilitate communication between instructors and prison staff ...

INSTRUCTOR

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.2K/mo

Unclassified Job Number: 403BCCY-INSTRUCTOR -CONT Department: Office of Juvenile Justice Opening ... under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) to be considered for employment. The Office of ...

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How much do prison instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison instructor in the United States is $21.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Prison Instructors?

Prison Instructors are professionals who provide educational, vocational, or rehabilitative training to inmates within correctional facilities. Their goal is to help prisoners develop new skills, gain knowledge, and improve their chances of successful reintegration into society after release. Prison Instructors may teach academic subjects, trades, or life skills, and often work closely with correctional staff to maintain a safe learning environment. Their role is crucial in reducing recidivism and supporting inmates’ personal development.

What is the difference between Prison Instructor vs Correctional Officer?

AspectPrison InstructorCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some roles may require teaching certifications or specialized trainingHigh school diploma or GED; basic correctional training required
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, training facilities, or educational settings within correctional institutionsPrison facilities, security posts, and inmate housing areas
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and correctional institutions focusing on inmate rehabilitation and educationCorrectional facilities responsible for inmate supervision and security

Prison Instructors primarily focus on inmate education and rehabilitation within correctional facilities, often working in classrooms or training environments. Correctional Officers, on the other hand, are responsible for maintaining security, supervising inmates, and enforcing rules within prisons. While both roles operate within correctional settings, their core duties and required credentials differ, making them distinct but related careers in the criminal justice industry.

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

To thrive as a Prison Instructor, you need a solid background in education or vocational training, often supported by a teaching credential or relevant certification. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), curriculum development tools, and basic security protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and effectively engage learners in a correctional environment. These competencies are crucial for delivering impactful instruction, maintaining safety, and supporting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

What are some common challenges faced by Prison Instructors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Prison Instructors often encounter challenges such as engaging learners with diverse backgrounds, addressing varying literacy levels, and managing classroom behavior in a secure environment. Building strong rapport, adapting teaching methods to individual needs, and collaborating closely with correctional staff are essential strategies for success. Additionally, maintaining flexibility and resilience helps instructors navigate institutional policies and unexpected disruptions while ensuring a supportive learning atmosphere for inmates.
More about Prison Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Prison Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Prison Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Prison Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Prison Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Prison Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,102 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Program Coordinator, Prison Education Project (Hybrid) - School of Continuing and Professional St...

Program Coordinator, Prison Education Project (Hybrid) - School of Continuing and Professional St...

Washington University of St. Louis

On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Washington University In St. Louis rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 123 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

224th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Scheduled Hours37.5Position SummaryUnder the direction of the Program Director and in collaboration with the Site Administrators, executes administrative policies and procedures for the Prison Education Project (PEP). Assists in coordination with DOC permissions, faculty and student support, and program data management.Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Administrative Support for the Prison Education Project (PEP)

  • Coordinate with Instructors teaching in the PEP for orientation procedures including Partner In Corrections (PIC) certification process; facilitate communication between instructors and prison staff to ensure timely access to prison spaces and continuation of full PIC status via yearly updated trainings and documentation.
  • Coordinate with graduate student tutors who maintain a daily presence at the prison, including recruiting students, guiding through the PIC orientation process and continuation of full PIC status via yearly updated trainings and documentation, and assisting the Site Administrators in coordinating study hall schedules.
  • Assist Site Administrators in obtaining DOC approval for material entries and guest facility access into prison facilities.
  • Make purchases and obtain supplies for the program; order books and other required items for PEP courses.
  • Maintain records and update documents and record systems used by the program, digitize data for PEP, coordinate with CAPS staff for data collection.
  • Assist with scanning, anonymizing, organizing, and other office administrative support tasks as required.

Assist with Student and Faculty Support

  • Act as a regular tutor at both prison campuses.
  • Facilitate course delivery, including professor accompaniment, preparing course packets and workbooks, uploading presentations, and gathering material for student computer lab server.
  • Provide support for extracurricular and pre-college activities (e.g., Chess Club, Reading Groups, etc.) at the prison campuses; order and purchase supplies, maintain records, serve as a facilitator.
  • Assist the PEP Reentry Advocate with securing resources for PEP alumni to navigate reentry, help orient PEP students completing their degrees at CAPS post-release to the WashU campus.

Support for PEP Events

  • In collaboration with PEP Site Administrators and CAPS MarComm team, assist with organizing and executing events both at the prisons and on campus (lectures, colloquia).
  • In collaboration with PEP Director, Site Administrators, and CAPS MarComm team, assist in the planning and execution of commencement ceremonies at MECC and WERDCC for graduating students
  • Support PEP Site Administrators in the orientation of new PEP students to the programs at MECC and WERDCC

Other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.


Work Experience:

Relevant Experience (2 Years)


Skills:

Not Applicable


Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.More About This Job

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and two years' related experience required or equivalent education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree with three years of experience in an academic setting.
  • Familiarity with liberal arts curricula.
  • Experience working in a prison setting.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and project management skills.
  • Ability to work with a wide variety of people in an office environment.
  • Familiarity with using online forms and documents for web-based record keeping.
  • Demonstrated experience working with confidential projects using discretion and independent judgment.
  • Familiarity with University Information Systems.
  • Strong desire to nurture relationships and work with modern learners in a prison setting.
  • Ability to project genuineness and warmth, while working with a wide variety of people.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal); a service-oriented communicator.
  • Ability to multi-task, and work independently and collaboratively.
  • Experience working with personal computers with a proficiency in word processing applications.
  • Ability to handle confidential information responsibly and work on various projects to achieve the goals of the Prison Education Project.
Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Work Experience:

Academic Environment (3 Years)

Skills:

Collaboration, Computer Literacy, Confidentiality, Emotional Intelligence, Interpersonal Communication, Multitasking, Oral Communications, Relationship Building, Word Processing Applications, Working Independently, Written CommunicationGradeG08-HSalary Range$21.17 - $32.85 / HourlyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please emailCandidateQuestions@wustl.eduor call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.Pre-Employment ScreeningAll external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.Benefits Statement

Personal

  • Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

  • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

  • Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

  • WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

  • Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

  • We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We've got you covered.

  • WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO StatementWashington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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About Washington University in St. Louis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Washington University in St. Louis, often simply known as WashU, is a prestigious private research university in the United States. Headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri, the university operates within the Education industry offering an array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs encompassing various areas like arts, sciences, business, design, medicine, and engineering. Established in 1853, the university has a storied past rooted in determination, resilience, and commitment to knowledge and innovation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1853