Prison Teacher

Prison Teacher

York Full-Time 24000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Teach and inspire learners in a prison setting, focusing on Functional Skills up to Level 2.
  • Company: Join Dovetail and Slate, a leading education recruitment company dedicated to transforming lives through education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a paid volunteering day, and access to discounts and wellbeing resources.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by helping individuals rebuild their lives through education in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Five GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, a degree, and a recognised teaching qualification required.
  • Other info: No marking or planning at home; enjoy a clear work-life balance with ongoing training support.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 42000 £ per year.

Ever considered working in a prison? It might not be what you expect - in fact, it could be one of the most rewarding and meaningful roles you'll ever take on. For many in custody, education offers hope, structure, and a chance to rebuild. For you, it offers the chance to be part of that transformation - every single day.

In this role you'll be part of a close-knit team, working face-to-face with both colleagues and learners. You'll benefit from clear boundaries between work and home life, with no working from home allowed. That means NO MARKING, NO PLANNING in your weekends or evenings. Prisons have dedicated education departments, complete with classrooms and fully-equipped workshops where learning takes place. Despite the challenges of the environment, you'll be supported every step of the way by an experienced education team, with access to ongoing training and professional development.

Details of this position:

  • This position is for a full time Prison Tutor in prison education.
  • The role is based near York, in a brand new prison.
  • You will be required to deliver a high quality curriculum delivering Functional Skills, up to Level 2.

Other requirements include but are not limited to:

  • Identifying the individual needs of learners ensuring that all learners have an individual learning plan which links to their long-term employment goals.
  • Continually reviewing our learner's progression to ensure that the training continues to meet their identified needs.
  • Preparing, delivering and reviewing comprehensive lesson plans for all sessions that address the training needs of the group including basic literacy, numeracy, language and other social / employability barriers to employment.
  • Actively gaining feedback from learners and other sources, reviewing & improving curriculum content accordingly.
  • Engaging and motivating both individuals and learner groups to increase retention.

Work schedule: Full time 38.5 hours per week

Salary scale: From £30,000 per annum

Annual leave: 30 days per annum

To be considered, suitable candidates will need to meet the following criteria:

  • Five GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), including English Language and Mathematics
  • A Degree, or professional qualification, which is appropriate to the work.
  • Teaching Qualification - All candidates for teaching posts must possess a recognised Teaching Qualification
  • Knowledge and experience of current teaching and learning strategies
  • Excellent team working, communication and interpersonal skills

Suitable candidates will need to be enthusiastic, resilient and have a humanistic approach. This role will not be for everyone, but anyone with a slight interest is encouraged to apply and if suitable, you will have the opportunity to have a discussion with the hiring manager directly over the phone, who can provide more detail and an insight into life working in a prison.

Benefits:

  • Generous annual leave entitlement.
  • A paid Life event day each year
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Access to hundreds of discounts via the Additions portal
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Access to online wellbeing centre
  • A paid volunteering day each year
  • Enhanced Maternity scheme
  • Sharesave scheme
  • Refer a Friend reward scheme
  • Holiday purchase scheme
  • Pension scheme
  • Life assurance

If you are interested in this position, then please apply via the link. Alternatively, you can contact Izzy to discuss the role in further detail.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain the appropriate prison clearance before starting the role and maintain this throughout employment.

Important Notice: Dovetail and Slate is a market leading education recruitment company. We specialise in hiring across the entire spectrum of education, including positions in student support and support services. With our extensive range of roles, we are confident we can find the right match for you, so if the current vacancy does not seem relevant to your expertise, we welcome you to upload your CV or give us a call to discuss your ideal position, with our dedicated team.

Dovetail and Slate is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, applicants, and clients to share this commitment. This role may involve work with under 18's or vulnerable adults. Any appointment will be made subject to strict vetting and screening checks and receipt of a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Prison Teacher employer: Dovetail & Slate

Dovetail and Slate is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact as a Prison Teacher near York. With a strong focus on employee well-being, the company provides generous annual leave, a supportive work culture, and ongoing professional development, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally. The dedicated education departments and clear boundaries between work and home life create an environment where you can fully engage with learners without the stress of after-hours planning or marking.
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Contact Detail:

Dovetail & Slate Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Prison Teacher

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the unique environment of a prison. Understanding the challenges and dynamics of working in such a setting will help you demonstrate your readiness for the role during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former prison educators if possible. They can provide invaluable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your suitability for the position.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your teaching philosophy and how it aligns with the goals of prison education. Highlighting your humanistic approach and resilience will resonate well with the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Be ready to engage in a conversation about individual learning plans and how you would adapt your teaching methods to meet diverse learner needs. This shows your commitment to personalised education, which is crucial in this role.

We think you need these skills to ace Prison Teacher

Teaching Qualification
Knowledge of Functional Skills Curriculum
Lesson Planning
Individual Learning Plan Development
Assessment and Progress Monitoring
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Teamwork
Motivational Skills
Resilience
Adaptability
Understanding of Teaching and Learning Strategies
Feedback Collection and Implementation
Humanistic Approach to Education

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Prison Teacher. Familiarise yourself with the curriculum you'll be delivering and the unique environment of a prison setting.

Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant qualifications, such as your teaching qualification and any experience in education or working with vulnerable groups. Make sure to include your GCSEs and any degrees that meet the job criteria.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to express your enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of its challenges and rewards. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to engage and motivate learners.

Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your teaching philosophy and how you would handle the unique challenges of teaching in a prison. Think about examples from your past that showcase your resilience and humanistic approach.

How to prepare for a job interview at Dovetail & Slate

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you have a clear understanding of what being a Prison Teacher entails. Familiarise yourself with the curriculum you'll be delivering and the specific needs of learners in custody. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills

Prepare to discuss your teaching qualifications and experiences in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've engaged and motivated learners in the past, especially those facing challenges. Highlight any innovative teaching strategies you've used that could be beneficial in a prison environment.

✨Demonstrate Resilience and Empathy

This role requires a humanistic approach, so be prepared to discuss how you handle difficult situations and support learners who may be struggling. Share personal anecdotes that showcase your resilience and ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the prison's education programme, team dynamics, and ongoing training opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

Prison Teacher
Dovetail & Slate
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  • Prison Teacher

    York
    Full-Time
    24000 - 42000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-04-27

  • D

    Dovetail & Slate

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