Changing Lives: Important Roles Teaching Offenders

Have you considered teaching in prisons? As a Lecturer in offender learning, you have a unique and rewarding opportunity to inspire and engage students within your speciality. This can help to improve their chances of employment, and, in turn, reduce the likelihood of re-offending by 30%.

What Will the Learners Be Like?

The prison population can be quite diverse, with no two days or two people the same. You can expect to teach students who:

-       Have few or no previous qualifications

-       Display some challenging behaviours

-       Need support with Maths and English

-       Have a range of complex learning needs

-       Have personal and social problems.

As a result, you have the chance to develop creative teaching and learning methods to support their education. But generally speaking, students who enrol in a course do so because they want to learn. Tutors teaching in prisons have found that less classroom management is required, and they experience a greater focus on teaching practice.

Benefits of Lecturing in a Correctional Institution:

In these roles, you will be increasing a learner’s employability, which reduces chances of recidivism or repeat offending, giving them a new lease on life and positive opportunities. What’s more, your students will have chosen to be in education. Prison education programmes are not compulsory, so all attendees are there because they’re motivated to learn!

Due to security and privacy reasons, you won’t need to take any work home with you. Feel comfortable knowing your work-life balance is encouraged.

What are the Requirements to Teach in Prisons? 

Personal Skills:

Teaching offenders means that you will play a part in their rehabilitation programme. To be successful at this, you need to:

-       Be confident and organised

-       Have great communication skills

-       Be enthusiastic about your subject

-       Have good judgement and be able to create effective working relationships

-       Be flexible and innovative

DBS and Prison Security Checks:

To take up a teaching role, you will need to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You will also need to pass any background and security checks required to work in prison.

Qualifications:

You’ll be required to have a recognised teaching qualification (or at least be prepared to work towards one). Qualifications include:

-       Level 3 Award in Education and Training

-       Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

-       Level 5 Education and Training Diploma

-       Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

You’ll also need:

-       Access to 100 hours of teaching practice.

-       A level 3 vocational qualification in your subject area or trade.

You may also need GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), or equivalent, including English and Maths.

Are You Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re interested in taking your next step, get in touch today! Call us on 01179 296 200 or email info@bostonrose.co.uk.