Teaching in a Prison

[shinyhappypeople]

Hello, does anyone on here teach (or has taught) in a prison? I have taught in FE for a number of years and Im considering applying for a vacancy to teach in a prison. Just wondering if anyone has experience of this and can maybe tell me what the reality is like to teach in such a custodial environment.

Thanks

I taught in a young offenders' prison a while back and I quite enjoyed it. Good points: classes were small, high level of security meant I felt quite safe, prisoners had a good sense of humour.

Bad points: most were on short sentences so there was little continuity and they didn't have to come to class if they didn't want to. Prison governor had too much say in educational matters (in my opinion). Although I am generally a healthy person I got numerous colds while working there. "The lads" always seemed to be ill and passed it on.

Have a friend who did this for a few years in a high security prison with long-term inmates and there are plenty of teaching opportunities for basic skills: literacy and numeracy and some inmates may study GCSEs.
Her courses were quite popular as there are not many female visitors in a prison!
The only problem she encounters is what to say if she comes across a former pupil after they have been released!

Do you currently particularly enjoy teaching your students with complex social and emotional needs?

I would think that would give you a good indication of whether you'd enjoy teaching in prison.

I used to work in a YOI for a few years. Not teaching, but still...
It's fun work. You don't feel threatened and 'the lads' (as storytopper says) can be very entertaining. THe teachers there seemed a fairly happy bunch.
Sometimes the kids can be a little stroppy, and sometimes it is wearing how badly resourced prisons can be but generally speaking I preferred working in a prison than 'on the out'.
Could you go and sit in a couple of hours to get a taster?
Good luck.

this sounds very interesting and rewarding! Can anyone direct me as to how to get into this type of work?

Mumeuro - every prison awards a contract to an education provider. Often this is the local FE college but can be a private company. You could try phoning your nearest prison to find out who has the contract. The prison I worked in offered English and numeracy/maths plus art, music, IT, social sciences and parentcraft.

Much easier than in a school, much better security and behaviour mangement support, and generally very keen and well motivated students. Be prepared for a shock at the levels of ignorance you encounter, but that is sometimes part of what lead them there.

I work on the education wing in the library or a B Cat remand prison, mostly remand but some sentenced aswell. It can feel claustrophobic as you have to lok every door behind you bu at least you can go home.

thanks for all the tips and info, I will see how I get on and let you know!