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Prison Teaching Position Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Prison Teaching Position information

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

To thrive as a Prison Teacher, you need a solid background in education, subject matter expertise, and relevant teaching credentials or certifications. Familiarity with learning management systems, curriculum development tools, and correctional facility protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to manage challenging classroom dynamics set exceptional prison teachers apart. These skills and qualities are vital for fostering learning, rehabilitation, and personal growth in a secure and often high-stress environment.

What are some unique challenges educators face when teaching in a prison environment?

Teaching in a prison setting presents distinct challenges, such as working within strict security protocols, managing diverse educational backgrounds, and addressing the needs of students who may have experienced educational interruptions. Instructors must also adapt to limited classroom resources and fluctuating class attendance due to facility operations. However, educators often find the work rewarding as they help students build skills that can support successful reintegration into society.

What are prison teaching positions?

Prison teaching positions involve educators working within correctional facilities to provide academic, vocational, or life skills instruction to inmates. These teachers help incarcerated individuals earn diplomas, GEDs, or certifications, and may also facilitate personal development courses. The goal is to support rehabilitation and improve the chances of successful reintegration into society. Teachers in these roles must be adaptable, patient, and able to work in a secure environment, often with students who have diverse educational backgrounds.

What is the difference between Prison Teaching Position vs Correctional Education Instructor?

AspectPrison Teaching PositionCorrectional Education Instructor
CredentialsTeaching certification, background checkTeaching certification, background check
Work EnvironmentPrison facilities, correctional institutionsPrison facilities, correctional institutions
Industry UsageEducational programs within prisonsEducational programs within prisons
Job FocusTeaching academic or vocational subjects to inmatesTeaching academic or vocational subjects to inmates

Both roles involve teaching within correctional facilities and require similar certifications. The primary difference lies in terminology; "Prison Teaching Position" is a broad term, while "Correctional Education Instructor" emphasizes the instructional role within correctional settings. Both are essential for inmate education and rehabilitation programs.

More about Prison Teaching Position jobs
What states have the most Prison Teaching Position jobs? States with the most job openings for Prison Teaching Position jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prison Teaching Position jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prison Teaching Position jobs are:
Infographic showing various Prison Teaching Position job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 2% Physical, 39% Hybrid, and 59% Remote job distribution.
AY 2026-2027 - Higher Education in Prison Adjunct Faculty Pool

AY 2026-2027 - Higher Education in Prison Adjunct Faculty Pool

Portland State University

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Portland State University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 530 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Announcement
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
09/16/2026
Working Title
AY 2026-2027 - Higher Education in Prison Adjunct Faculty Pool
Department
222720 - UGE Higher Educatn in Prison (HEP)
Position Number
D90614
Representation
AP - AFT, Local 3571
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State's 49-acre downtown campus is located in the heart of one of America's most vibrant centers of culture, business and technology. We are recognized throughout the world for programs like Urban Planning, Social Work, and Environmental Studies that directly engage the community, and aim our students towards the creation of a better, more sustainable world.
The Higher Education in Prison (HEP) program is housed in University Studies, the largest general education program for Portland State. HEP offers an undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies, delivering courses through a combination of in-person, online, and hybrid modalities in two Oregon prison locations: Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and Oregon State Penitentiary. HEP partners and collaborates academic departments and programs to deliver inclusive, interdisciplinary, and inquiry-based pedagogy.
The mission of Portland State University's Higher Education in Prison (HEP)program is to expand rigorous, quality higher education and to support justice-impacted students post-release.
Position Summary
The Higher Education in Prison (HEP) program collects new applications throughout the academic year to fill vacancies. Review of applications occurs as new sections or instructors are needed.
University Studies and HEP faculty model intellectual passion and curiosity because they believe in the fundamental aspiration of higher education to prepare people to improve the world.
Our faculty are inclusive, interdisciplinary, and practice inquiry-based pedagogy that:
  • provokes students to build self-efficacy through relational learning across difference,
  • encourages a community of educators to practice engaged teaching for transformative learning,
  • advances civic engagement, reflective practice, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Learn more about HEP at https://www.pdx.edu/liberal-arts-sciences/higher-education-prison or University Studies at: https://www.pdx.edu/university-studies/about-unst
Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's Degree or equivalent.
  • Eligibility to receive volunteer credentials with the Oregon Department of
  • Corrections.
  • Strong commitment to student confidentiality and privacy.
  • Strong communication, writing, organizational, technology and interpersonal
  • skills.
  • When applicable, reliable transportation to the correctional facilities (Coffee Creek Correctional and/or Oregon State Penitentiary.).

All adjunct candidates are required to be living in either Oregon or Washington for the academic year 2026-2027.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Terminal Degree
  • Experience working in a culturally diverse environment.
  • Experience with prison education programs.
  • Experience working with marginalized populations.

Key Cultural Competencies
  • Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
  • Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
  • Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement
  • Adheres to all PSU's policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Required Professional Standards of Conduct
At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy.
Compensation
Adjuncts are paid per credit hour, and are hired on either a per term or an academic year basis, per the PSUFA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Application Instructions
Additional Information
Details about compensation and other components of the Portland State University Faculty Association Union (PSUFA) can be found at: https://www.pdx.edu/academic-affairs/academic-unions
All adjunct candidates are required to be living in either Oregon or Washington for the academic year 2026-2027.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle?
No
Background Check Required
Yes
Search Details
Posting Close Date
Projected Close Date for Posting
Open Until Finalists Identified

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About Portland State University

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Portland State University (PSU) is a renowned institution located in Portland, Oregon. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, PSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, preparing students for successful careers. The university's faculty members are experts in their fields, providing a high-quality education in a dynamic learning environment. PSU is deeply connected to its community, actively engaging in initiatives that address local and global challenges. With a focus on sustainability, social justice, and community outreach, PSU strives to make a positive impact in Portland and beyond. Situated in a vibrant city known for its livability and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, PSU offers students a unique and enriching educational experience that equips them to shape a better future.

Industry

Education

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1946

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