CDOC State Teacher I - SPED/GED (Canon City)

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The State Teacher I provides High School Equivalency (HSE) and Special Education instruction in an adult correctional education setting. Instruction, training, and assessment follow the Colorado Department of Education-approved Certificate of Accomplishment Curriculum for appropriate Adult Basic Education levels. The position also oversees the Cognitive Education Program.

The teacher works with incarcerated students individually and in group classrooms, determines learning needs, develops and delivers instruction, assesses progress, maintains student records, and collaborates with fellow teachers. The position also supports facility safety and security through offender management and assigned security duties, including counts, searches, escorts, movement control, and classroom access control. The role requires successful completion of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training and the ability to perform the stated physical and security-related duties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field related to the work assignment; there is no substitution for the required education.
• Must possess at least one of the following credentials: Colorado Initial or Professional Teacher License, Adult Basic Education Authorization (ABEA), or Colorado Interim Authorization. A Colorado Initial License holder must obtain a Colorado Professional Teacher License within three years of hire.
• Out-of-state applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in an education-related field and the appropriate educator license for their state; a copy of the license must be uploaded with the application.
• Required education credentials must be valid at the time of application and maintained throughout employment.
• Significant knowledge of effective teaching strategies, methods, and techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Self-motivation and effective organization, planning, and prioritization skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate fluently in English.
• Proficiency with office technologies, especially Microsoft Office Suite.
• Precise attention to detail.
• Self-control and the ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations while remaining alert, emotionally stable, mentally resilient, and observant.
• Tolerance for stress, confinement, and high-stakes interactions.
• Ability to read and comprehend English and create accessible documents and technical content that follow plain-language guidelines.
• Must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid driver’s license; state vehicle drivers must meet applicable Colorado license and driving-record requirements.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED and valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; H-1B sponsorship is not available.
• Must have no felony convictions and meet the stated CDOC restrictions regarding sexual abuse or misconduct involving offenders.
• Must successfully complete all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, including reading comprehension, competency assessments, and written and practical Defensive Tactics exams.
• Must be physically able to perform the listed defensive tactics and security functions, including lifting arms overhead, kicking to waist height, controlling and restraining people, delivering blows, using a baton, kneeling and rising repeatedly, and walking and climbing stairs.
• Must be able to see and hear to observe and respond to safety and security concerns and be able to deal with assaultive behavior and restraint situations.
• Must be able to work with people of different sexes and diverse racial and ethnic groups, including mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders.
• Must be able and willing to travel and work various shifts, including days, afternoons, and nights, on a rotating schedule.
• Must pass a medical screening, background investigation, and drug test; random drug screening occurs during employment.
• Must complete tuberculosis screening upon hire and be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and while on assignment.
• Must work in fluctuating noise and temperatures, including hot and cold conditions, and potentially outdoors in inclement weather or in concrete-floor and concrete-wall settings.

Nice To Haves

• CDE endorsement in Special Education.
• CDE endorsement in English.
• CDE endorsement in Mathematics.
• Master’s degree in Education or a related field.
• Experience teaching and assessing high-risk or incarcerated adults or youth.

Responsibilities

• Teach and mentor incarcerated students individually and in large and small group classrooms to promote academic performance skills.
• Determine students’ educational needs and develop short- and long-term goals.
• Develop and implement 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, determine course completion requirements, and evaluate training and testing effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and maintain records, including student grades, attendance rosters, 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 mutual guidance and continuously improve instruction.
• Contribute to facility safety and security through effective offender management and conflict resolution.
• Adhere to the CDOC Mission and Vision and promote commitment and integrity.
• Perform assigned security duties, including security posts, inmate counts, shakedowns, searches, escorts, movement control, and control of inmate access to classrooms.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Career advancement opportunities throughout the state system.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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