About The Position

The State Teacher I provides entry-level marketable job skills to inmate students by delivering career and technical instruction in Computer Information Systems (CIS). Instruction must comply with the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and, when applicable, the Colorado State Licensing Board. The position is based at Sterling Correctional Facility in Sterling, Colorado, and contributes to facility safety and security through inmate instruction, management, observation, and adherence to agency rules. The role requires maintaining a CCCS post-secondary credential in Information Technology within six months of hire, obtaining a CCCS Professional Teacher Credential within three years, and maintaining an appropriate CCCS teacher credential throughout employment. The teacher develops and delivers instruction, assesses and documents student progress, maintains educational records, and collaborates with other teachers. The position also requires participation in professional development and supporting safety and security procedures. Employees must meet the stated education, occupational-experience, licensing, background, training, physical ability, and other conditions of employment.

Requirements

  • Associate’s degree in Information Technology or a related field, plus 4,000 hours of verifiable occupational experience in the IT industry related to the credential area within the last seven years; the 4,000-hour requirement cannot be substituted.
  • Alternatively, a current Colorado, national, industry, military, or union license or certification appropriate to the IT industry skill or related trade area, plus 4,000 hours of qualifying verifiable occupational experience within the last seven years; the experience requirement cannot be substituted.
  • Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or a related field, plus 2,000 hours of verifiable occupational experience in IT related to the credential area within the last seven years; the 2,000-hour requirement cannot be substituted.
  • For out-of-state applicants: a bachelor’s degree in an education-related field and the appropriate educator license for the applicant’s state; a copy of the license must be uploaded with the application.
  • Possess or obtain a CCCS post-secondary credential in an Information Technology field within six months of hire.
  • Obtain a CCCS Professional Teacher Credential within three years of hire and maintain a CCCS Initial or Professional Teacher Credential throughout employment.
  • Meet the required education and experience qualifications; required credentials must be valid at application and maintained during employment.
  • Provide college transcripts and, where applicable, a NACES evaluation of foreign transcripts; applicants using a license or certification as a substitution must provide a copy.
  • Describe relevant experience in detail in the application’s Work Experience section.
  • Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, self-motivation, organizational skills, attention to detail, and customer service.
  • Demonstrate self-control and the ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations; remain alert, emotionally stable, resilient, and observant under pressure; and tolerate stress, confinement, and high-stakes interactions.
  • Read and comprehend English and communicate fluently in English verbally and in writing.
  • Create accessible documents and technical content that follow plain-language guidelines.
  • Be at least 21 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and meet applicable Colorado driving requirements, including obtaining a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of employment or a residency change when required for state-vehicle eligibility.
  • Have no felony convictions and satisfy the stated restrictions concerning sexual abuse or sexual misconduct involving incarcerated persons.
  • Have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; H-1B sponsorship is not available.
  • Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, including reading comprehension, competency assessments, and written and practical defensive-tactics exams.
  • Meet the stated physical abilities for defensive tactics and correctional work, including strength, agility, movement, restraint, and the ability to observe and respond to safety and security threats.
  • Be willing and able to travel and work various shifts, including days, afternoons, graveyards, and a rotating shift schedule.
  • Complete tuberculosis screening upon hire, pass a background investigation, and pass pre-employment and random drug screening.
  • Successfully complete a medical screening certifying the ability to perform the position’s essential functions.

Nice To Haves

  • Bachelor’s degree in an Information Technology field.
  • CCCS Credential in Information Technology.
  • CISCO teaching certification for ICND 1 and 2, and CCENT.
  • Experience teaching or training in a correctional environment.

Responsibilities

  • Teach and mentor inmate students individually and in large or small group classrooms, promoting academic performance skills.
  • Determine inmate 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, course completion requirements, and training or testing effectiveness.
  • Prepare reports and maintain records, including grades, attendance rosters, and training activity details.
  • Observe and evaluate student work, provide feedback, and suggest improvements.
  • Document inmate achievements, competencies, and contact hours toward certificate requirements.
  • Justify the accuracy and use of budget requests.
  • Participate in conferences, seminars, and training sessions and integrate relevant developments into training programs.
  • Collaborate with fellow teachers to promote mutual and continued guidance and improvement.
  • Contribute to facility safety and security through effective inmate-student management and conflict resolution.
  • Follow the CDOC Mission and Vision and promote commitment and integrity.
  • Maintain the required Colorado Community College System teaching credential.
  • Maintain safety and security by training inmates and, occasionally or in emergencies, performing inmate counts, shakedowns, searches, escorts, movement control, and classroom access control.
  • Observe inmates and follow agency Administrative Regulations and the Code of Penal Discipline to promote a safe and secure work environment.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

  • Distinctive 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.
  • Bi-weekly pay cycle.
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