Teacher

ADULT BASIC EDUCATION TEACHER

MONTANA STATE PRISON

DEER LODGE, MT

The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment. If you want to work making positive changes in your community, the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

The Education Department provides essential academic and vocational programs designed to equip incarcerated individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to lead fulfilling lives after incarceration. Our education staff members support personal growth and prepare students for meaningful opportunities after release, providing basic literacy education, high school equivalency completion, and career-focused training. Join a team dedicated to unlocking potential and creating pathways for brighter futures!

The Adult Basic Education Teacher prepares classrooms, instructional materials, and teaches Adult Basic Education courses at Montana State Prison, including life skills classes and cell study. This position teaches and supervises adult male inmate students in classroom settings and housing units, working with individuals and groups using competency based instructional methods. Lessons are adapted to changes in class size and student abilities, strengths, and learning needs. The ABE Teacher advises students on available educational courses and programs and implements learning activities aligned with the assigned curriculum and state standards, while working individually with students to challenge them and support academic growth.

The ABE Teacher assesses student progress by grading assignments, papers, exams, and other coursework and performs all duties in a safe and professional manner in compliance with policies and procedures of the Department of Corrections, Office of Public Instruction, and Montana State Prison. This position requires participation in ongoing professional education and training to maintain licensure and current teaching practices and collaboration with other professionals to develop additional instructional activities and support student learning, along with performing related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The knowledge, skills and abilities for this position are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

• Bachelor’s degree in education

• Must be a State of Montana certified secondary teacher

• Two years of job-related experience preferred

• Experience in a correctional environment is highly desired

Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
 

BENEFITS

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

To initiate an application and be considered, you must attach your resume, cover letter, and mark the attachments as a “Relevant File”. In your cover letter, state why you are applying for the position and anything that makes you uniquely qualified. Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

Successful applicants will be subject to:

• Criminal history check

• Child/patient/offender abuse registries

• Reference checks
   

Effective March 16, 2026, this agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.  After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.   For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/. 

NOTICES

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) -  Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution; 2) been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or 3) been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in activity as described in the latter, are not qualified for this position.

Tobacco Free - The use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes is prohibited in Department of Corrections buildings.  In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is prohibited.