CDOC State Teacher - High School Equivalency; HSE​/GED - Arkansas Valley

Join the State of Colorado to build a career that makes a difference and enhances public confidence in government by supporting state agencies and the citizens of Colorado.

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities across the state system.
• Strong retirement benefits including a PERA defined benefit or 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, and more.

Job Location: Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility

The role provides High School Equivalency (HSE) instruction within an adult educational correctional system by delivering instruction, training, and assessments in accordance with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) approved curriculum for appropriate Adult Basic Education levels. The instructor also supervises the Cognitive Education Program.

• Teach and mentor inmate students individually or in small and large group classrooms, promoting academic performance skills.
• Determine educational needs to develop short- and long-term goals.
• Develop and implement competency-based teaching aids such as educational software, multimedia visual aids, or study materials.
• Deliver lectures on theories, concepts, and terminology.
• Select and administer appropriate performance assessments to measure progress and evaluate training effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and maintain records such as student grades, attendance rosters, and training activity details.
• Observe and evaluate student work to determine progress, provide feedback, and suggest improvements.
• Document student achievements, competencies, and contact hours toward completion of certificate requirements.
• Justify accuracy and usage of budget requests.
• Participate in conferences, seminars, and training sessions to stay current and integrate relevant information into programs.
• Collaborate with fellow teachers to promote teamwork, mutual guidance, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the safety and security of the facility by managing offenders and promoting conflict resolution.
• Adhere to the CDOC Mission and Vision, demonstrating integrity.
• Other duties as assigned.

The instructor maintains safety and security by training inmates, working security posts, performing inmate counts, shakedowns, searches, escorts, movement control, and managing inmate access to classrooms. Observation and compliance with agency regulations and the Code of Penal Discipline promote a safe working environment.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in an education-related field.
• Must possess at least one of the following credentials:
  • Colorado Initial or Professional Teacher License (obtain Professional License within three years of hire if initially holding an Initial License).
  • Adult Basic Education Authorization (ABE).
  • Colorado Interim Authorization (eligible for out-of-state applicants).
• Co‑holder of a valid driver’s license and ability to maintain a safe driving record.
• High school diploma or GED.
• No felony convictions or related offenses.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States.
• Willingness and ability to pass all modules of the six‑week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, including defensive tactics and written pracsial exams.
• Physical ability to complete required defensive tactics and general physical fitness.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.

• Knowledge of effective teaching strategies, methods, and techniques.
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Effectual conflict resolution skills.
• Self‑motivation and strong organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Office technologies, especially Microsoft Office Suite.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm and resilient under stress and in potentially violent situations.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and communicate fluently in English.
• Ability to create content following plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind.

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