Basic Skills Instructor - SCCC

Grays Harbor College is now accepting applications for a full-time, temporary Basic Skills Instructor.   This position is responsible for preparing and teaching Adult Basic Education (ABE) reading, writing, math, English, General Education Diploma (GED) preparation, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to Grays Harbor College (GHC) adult offenders at Stafford Creek Corrections (SCCC). In addition to teaching, responsibilities will include advising/placement of offenders/students in classes, cross collaboration, curriculum update and development, and other professional development activities. SCCC is a 2,000-bed multi-custody adult correctional facility operating under the authority of the Department of Corrections (DOC), located 5 miles west of Aberdeen, Washington. 

This is a full-time, temporary, non-tenure track position. The placement on the salary schedule for 214 Day Contract will be determined by education and experience at the time of hire.  Initial placement of faculty shall be no higher than 5 years of service. The 214 Day Salary Schedule can be viewed at https://www.ghc.edu/hr/labor-relations  Grays Harbor College has an excellent benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, primary and supplemental retirement programs and long-term disability insurance.  Full-time faculty will also receive 1 day of sick leave per month and 5 days of personal leave days a year.  

Faculty positions at Grays Harbor College have been designated as bargaining unit positions represented by the Grays Harbor College Federation of Teachers, Local 4984.  The faculty union and the college have a bargaining unit agreement (referred to as the contract) that is posted on the GHC website at https://www.ghc.edu/hr/labor-relations.  

• Prepare and implement daily or weekly lesson plans for ABE, GED, and ESL classes utilizing lecture, small group and/or individualized modes of instruction using adult learning standards and principles, as outlined by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and/or Washington State, for content areas including reading, writing, math, social studies, science, literature and arts, and GED preparation.
• Collaborate with all program faculty to develop curriculum and programming that incorporate current educational theories and research, emphasizing the necessary academic and pro-social skills students need to move through and complete ABE/GED/ESL and/or onto post-secondary and/or vocational studies.
• Maintain strong classroom management skills while being respectful of students, officers, faculty/staff, and guests with the goals of creating a safe and productive learning environment and imparting prosocial skills to students and classroom assistants.
• Utilize a variety of proven and innovative instructional strategies, integrating technology into lecture and student independent work, using Learning Management Systems, videos, and learning tasks requiring varying technology.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, student progress and achievements, submitting required paperwork and reports in a timely manner to onsite support staff and security.
• Actively engage in scheduled SCCC, DOC, GHC, and SBCTC meetings and training sessions, including in-person and virtual, completing trainings in a timely manner.
• Initiate disciplinary procedures for offender students and tutors using DOC policy/procedure and GHC policy/procedure where appropriate.
• Adhere to all DOC policies and procedures, especially individual/staff safety and IT protocols, within the education buildings, assigned classrooms, and around the facility.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in secondary education or related field OR a Bachelor’s degree in any field with professional teaching experience.
• Experience working with adults or adolescents in at risk, marginalized, or underserved population.
• Commitment to growing and learning new skills as an educator.
• Energetic and enthusiastic attitude toward teaching incarcerated students with the capacity to instill confidence in students, letting students know that SCCC instructors believe in their ability to learn and succeed.
• Ability to work a flexible time and location schedule. This position will require working days, evenings and/or weekends. The role may also require teaching in different locations within the SCCC facility to meet student enrollment needs. 
• Basic computer literacy skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in education or closely related discipline (English, Reading, Writing, Math) from an accredited institution.
• Special Education Certification or teaching English as a foreign or second language (TESOL, CELTA, or TEFL) certificates with teaching experience.
• Two years of successful teaching experience with adults. 
• Experience teaching in a correctional setting.
• Experience with curriculum and program development.

COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect with students and with DOC/GHC/SBCTC faculty/staff.
• Ability to recognize the value of, and have a commitment to, working with cultural, ethnic, gender, ability, and other differences in the people in our care and on our teams.
• Ability to understand, interpret and use adult learning standards to plan, teach, assess and guide student learning and progress.
• Willingness to effectively use a variety of instructional and assessment strategies that meet the student’s needs, interests, and learning styles.  
• Ability to incorporate technology and computer-aided instruction in the teaching and learning process.
• Competence to teach a variety of subject areas using effective lesson plans that include clear lesson objectives, documented teaching strategies, and formal/informal assessments.
• Strong commitment in working as an effective team member with support staff and faculty across disciplines and departments. 
• Strong skills in oral, written and listening communications

This position is open until filled, guaranteed consideration to 1st review date of March 3, 2025.  In addition to the GHC online Application you will need to submit the following materials.Incomplete applications will not be accepted or considered.     

• Letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position. 
• Statement describing your teaching philosophy/style as it relates to corrections education.
• Resume 
• Contact information for 3 professional references.
• Transcripts of all college work completed. Unofficial copies are acceptable, official copies will be required at time of hire. 

Background checks - Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.  Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Grays Harbor College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State’s Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations.  The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

• Title II/Section 504 – Erin Tofte, Associate Vice President of Human Resources 
• Title IX Coordinator – Ashley Bowie-Gallegos, Dean of Student Services and Enrollment Management

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.

In the corrections education department, we understand that individuals from traditionally marginalized backgrounds may face unique challenges and barriers when applying for job opportunities. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including differing abilities, BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities, to apply. Your unique perspectives and experiences are essential to our team's success, and we look forward to welcoming you. We are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. If you are passionate about this opportunity and believe you can make a difference, we want to hear from you.