Teacher; Social Sciences)(SDSP

Position: Teacher (Social Sciences)(SDSP)
PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job

Agency:
Department of Corrections

Location:

Sioux Falls, SD

Salary: $25.06 to $32.00 Hourly, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: I

Closing Date: 03/16/2026

This is a full-time position with the Department of Corrections. For more information on the Department of Corrections, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The South Dakota Department of Corrections is hiring! Join the DOC - view DOC Recruitment video here:

The South Dakota Department of Corrections does more than manage offenders, we prepare an offender to successfully reintegrate into society. We are searching for an instructor to provide effective programs that enhance public safety and prepare offenders for successful reentry into the community. DOC employees are driven by a deep sense of service, high standards of professionalism and a responsibility to better serve our state and our communities.

Instructors required to complete four weeks of correctional basic training prior to assignment to the education department.

* More than just a job but the start of a successful career.

* Supportive environment where employee growth is promoted.

* Comprehensive benefits package & competitive wages.

* Paid holidays.

* Paid job training & other great incentives.

The incumbent will serve as an instructor and work with the other academic staff teaching coursework to adult male offenders incarcerated in the South Dakota State Penitentiary. Classes are taught on a year-round basis. Flexibility to teach a variety of coursework is necessary.

Duties include:

* providing classroom instruction to offenders in the area of Social Science;

* proctoring GED and TABE testing;

* processing new GED student intake forms during the Admission and Orientation process;

* perform administrative duties such as record keeping, creating class schedules and proctoring exams;

* classroom preparation, attend regular staff meetings and professional development opportunities, and perform other duties as assigned.

Licenses and

Certifications:

A teaching certificate is not required. The successful applicant must have a degree in a field that would allow them to become a teacher in the state of South Dakota or prior teaching experience.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

A passion and eagerness to help prepare and promote growth for offenders working towards their next stage of life. Previous teaching experience would also be beneficial.

Knowledge:

* methods of classroom leadership, lecture, and effective presentation;

* lesson plan development based on the implemented curriculum;

* effective testing methods, grading and other student evaluation techniques;

* maintaining discipline and decorum in the classroom in a correctional environment;

* knowledge of methods of instruction for special populations of learners;

* effective teaching methods for offenders with diverse learning abilities;

* GED curriculum;

* classroom preparation, supervision, and management of students in a classroom setting.

Skill to:

* research, develop, implement and carry-out a complete curriculum within time frames;

* provide engaging lecture and presentation encouraging student participation and interest;

* maintain classroom discipline, enforce rules and keep inmate students on-task;

* develop regular lesson plans that move students through the curriculum within time frames;

* administer tests, evaluate student participation and interest, and assign grades.

Ability to:

* maintain accountability and motivate students;

* work with offenders from diverse cultures;

* learn and enforce program structure and the procedures of a correctional facility;

* work effectively as a member of a team.

Conditions of Employment:

* with or without reasonable accommodations, successfully pass all modules of the South Dakota Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics;

* possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics;

* lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;

* stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;

* use arms, palms of hands, and feet to deliver blows;

* withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;

* rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;

* get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions;

* will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment;

* must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security;

* seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury;

* demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently;

* work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint…