Adult Education Teacher VII

The Hampden County Sheriff’s Office is not your average law enforcement agency.

Behind the walls of our facilities in Western Massachusetts, our firm but fair approach to corrections has been emulated across the country and changed countless lives for the better. We provide empathy and opportunity to all who come under our care and custody with the aim of uplifting individuals and their families.

In the community, Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s ‘never say no’ attitude has evolved the field of community policing, bridging the divide between residents and unmet needs in our neighborhoods. You’ll find our dedicated staff in the parks, on the waterways, in our schools and on the streets to be a positive, proactive partner for the public good.

Help transform lives through education at the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center. At the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, we believe that every person has the potential to learn, grow, and build a brighter future, no matter where they’re starting from. Our educators play a vital role in uplifting those in our care by opening doors to opportunity, confidence, and new beginnings.

We teach with a trauma-informed lens, fostering a classroom rooted in safety, empathy, and empowerment. If you are a compassionate, energetic, student-centered educator dedicated to equity and empowerment, this is meaningful work that truly matters.

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; must be able to work any shift as directed

Western Mass. Regional Women’s Correctional Center, Chicopee, MA

About the Role:

As a Teacher VII, you will work with adult learners in a supportive, trauma-informed, and rehabilitation-focused environment. You’ll teach ESOL, Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Secondary Education (ASE), and Transition-to-College programming, with a primary focus on preparing students for their High School Equivalency (HiSET/GED).

You’ll deliver instruction through both traditional and technology-enhanced learning, using tools such as iPads, computers, and SMART Boards to create engaging, accessible lessons.

This is more than a teaching job – it’s an opportunity to help students rewrite their story, strengthen their confidence, and positively impact their families and communities.

You won’t just teach academics – you’ll inspire new possibilities and hope for women rebuilding their lives.

What You’ll Do:

You will:

• Create a safe, encouraging, and structured classroom environment that supports academic and personal growth.
• Promote emotional safety, dignity, and trauma-informed engagement in the classroom to support student learning and confidence.
• Develop and deliver curriculum aligned with Massachusetts Scope & Sequence standards.
• Teach individual and group lessons for students at varying academic levels and learning needs.
• Assess student progress, provide meaningful feedback, and adjust instruction for success.
• Screen and place students into appropriate classes based on skills and goals.
• Integrate technology to enrich learning and support digital literacy.
• Maintain attendance records, progress reports, and required documentation.
• Collaborate with a dedicated education team to strengthen and innovate programming.
• Supervise students in the classroom, as well as interns or volunteers assigned to your program.
• Pursue ongoing professional development focused on adult education and correctional education best practices.
• Support additional duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor.

Why Join the HCSO Education Team?

Because your work will change lives.

At HCSO, educators are part of a compassionate team committed to rehabilitation, dignity, and opportunity. You will help women gain the education, skills, and confidence needed to rebuild their lives, support their families, and return to the community stronger than when they arrived.

Your instruction will directly support successful reentry, family well-being, and long-term stability.

Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field * Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are desirable * 3+ years of adult education teaching experience, or 2+ years of proven correctional education experience * Actively working toward or holding a MA teacher’s license (Primary, Secondary, or ASE) * Strong communication skills (written and verbal) * Organizational skills and commitment to professional development * General knowledge of the correctional field, with the ability to follow policies, procedures, and safety protocols * Valid driver’s license and accessible phone number * Ability to work flexibly and as part of a collaborative, mission-driven team * Familiarity with MA Scope and Sequence for Adult Education * Experience with Windows (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and educational technology, including SMART Boards * Understanding of ADA principles in an educational setting