Teacher (SDSP)

Job Description PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 37991
Agency: Department of Corrections
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Salary: $25.06 to $32.00 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: I
Closing Date: 11/04/2026

This is a full-time position with the Department of Corrections. For more information on the Department of Corrections, please visit .

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 social and life skills and/or academic instruction in one or more GED content areas: math, science, reading and language arts, and social studies
• proctoring GED and TABE testing;
• perform administrative duties such as record keeping, creating class schedules and documenting enrollment and outcomes;
• 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 supervision and management;
• Effective lesson plan development and delivery aligned to selected standards;
• Effective testing methods and student evaluation techniques;
• Effective teaching methods for students with diverse learning abilities at varying academic levels;
• Understanding of GED curriculum and/or reentry and rehabilitation curriculums.

Skill to:

• Research, develop, and implement a complete curriculum within time frames;
• Provide engaging lectures and presentations that encourage student participation;
• Maintain classroom discipline, enforce rules, and keep inmate students on-task;
• Effectively track and report student progress;
• Adhere to testing procedures, evaluate student participation.

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 situations;
• deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner;
• work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders;
• communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments;
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire;

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online:
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: View phone number on us.fitly.work Email: View email address on us.fitly.work

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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