CDOC- State Teacher I Vocational : Achieving Academic Success (Sterling)

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The State Teacher I provides entry-level marketable job skills to inmate students in an adult correctional education setting. The position delivers instruction, training, and assessments in the Customer Service curriculum in accordance with Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and, where applicable, Colorado State Licensing Board requirements. The teacher also helps students set goals and develop personal success strategies and study skills for future learning.

The position supports facility safety and security through offender management, observation, and adherence to agency rules. In occasional or emergency situations, duties may include inmate counts, searches, escorts, movement control, and classroom access control. The role requires maintaining relevant CCCS credentials and contributing to a cooperative teaching team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an education or training-related field and 2,000 hours of verifiable occupational experience in an education or training industry related to the credential area within the last seven years; or an accepted substitution combining the specified degree, license, or credential with the required 4,000 hours of relevant experience.
• Alternative qualifications include an associate’s degree in a related field or an appropriate current license/certification, a master’s degree in education, training, or a related field, a Colorado high-school-level teacher license, or Adult Basic Education Authorization, subject to the stated experience requirements.
• Must possess or obtain a CCCS post-secondary credential in an Information Technology field within six months of hire.
• Must obtain a CCCS Professional Teacher Credential within three years of hire and maintain a CCCS Initial or Professional Teacher Credential throughout employment.
• Significant knowledge of effective teaching strategies, methods, and techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills, conflict-resolution skills, self-motivation, organization, planning, and prioritization.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to read and comprehend English and communicate fluently in English verbally and in writing.
• Proficiency with office technologies, especially Microsoft Office Suite.
• Attention to detail and ability to create accessible documents and technical content using plain-language guidelines.
• Self-control and the ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, mentally resilient, and observant under pressure and in stressful, potentially violent situations.
• Tolerance for stress, confinement, and high-stakes interactions.
• Must be at least 21 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and meet the stated Colorado driver’s license and driving-record requirements for operating state vehicles.
• Must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; the department does not provide H-1B sponsorship.
• Must have no disqualifying felony convictions or disqualifying history of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct as described in the announcement.
• Must successfully complete all modules of the six-week CDOC Basic Training, including reading comprehension, competency assessments, and defensive-tactics exams.
• Must meet the stated physical abilities for defensive tactics and safely controlling or restraining individuals, including lifting arms overhead, kicking to waist height, stabilizing another person, delivering blows, withstanding impact, using a baton, rotating, kneeling and rising repeatedly, and demonstrating agility and limb strength.
• Must be able to see and hear to observe and respond to safety and security concerns; walk and climb stairs consistently; and work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control, and restraint.
• Must communicate by speaking, listening, or signaling and work with people of diverse backgrounds and with varied moods and behaviors.
• Must be willing and able to travel and work various shifts, including days, afternoons, and nights, on a rotating schedule.
• Must complete tuberculosis screening, background investigation, medical screening, and drug testing; random drug screening occurs during employment.
• Must be willing to work in fluctuating noise and temperatures, potentially outdoors in inclement weather and in concrete-floor or concrete-wall settings.
• Applicants must provide the required transcripts, license or credential documentation, and detailed work history as specified in the announcement.

Nice To Haves

• CCCS Credential in Business.
• Experience teaching or training adults.
• Experience teaching or training in Business Management or Accounting.
• Experience teaching or training in a correctional environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach and mentor inmate students individually and in group classrooms to promote academic performance skills.
• Assess students’ educational needs and help them establish short- and long-term goals.
• Develop and use competency-based teaching aids, including instructional software, multimedia visual aids, and study materials.
• Lecture on theories, concepts, and terminology.
• Select and administer performance assessments to measure student progress, course completion, and training effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and maintain student grades, attendance records, and training activity details.
• Observe and evaluate student work, provide feedback, and suggest improvements.
• Document student achievements, competencies, and contact hours toward certificate requirements.
• Justify the accuracy and use of budget requests.
• Participate in conferences, seminars, and training to keep current with developments and incorporate relevant information into training programs.
• Collaborate with fellow teachers to provide continued guidance and improve instruction.
• Contribute to facility safety and security through effective offender management and conflict resolution.
• Follow the CDOC Mission and Vision and promote commitment and integrity.
• Maintain a Colorado Community College credential.
• Occasionally or in emergencies, perform inmate counts, searches, escorts, movement control, and control access to classrooms.
• Observe and follow agency Administrative Regulations and the Code of Penal Discipline to promote a safe and secure workplace.

Benefits

• PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid life insurance.
• 11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave.
• Wellness program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Training opportunities.
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the state system.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level