Substitute Academic Teacher (Correctional Facility)
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: EC70
Class Code: 3082
Established: 07/13/1992
Revised: 01/12/1993
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under general direction, in the Department of the Youth Authority and the Department of Corrections, provide instruction in academic subjects to persons committed to these Departments. Incumbents maintain order and supervise the conduct of youthful offenders and inmates and protect and maintain the safety of persons and property.
Typical Tasks
Incumbents in this class help persons committed to State correctional facilities in the Department of Corrections and the Department of the Youth Authority prepare to become productive and contributing members of society by training them in academic subjects and by helping them to develop socially acceptable attitudes and interests. Teachers give both individual and group instruction and, in many instances, participate as members of an interdisciplinary treatment team. Teachers have responsibility for supervising the conduct of the students while in the classroom and may be called upon to assume general custody responsibilities in time of emergency.
The using Departments have differing programs and, therefore, place emphasis on differing duties, but, in general, they stipulate that the teacher play an important role in the total education, treatment, and training process, as well as in teaching the skills which will enable the individual to seek occupational opportunities. The teachers' tasks include: planning, assigning, and supervising work; maintaining control and discipline in the classroom; controlling all materials and equipment which may be used as potential weapons; preparing courses of study and daily lesson plans; counseling students as to progress in the instructional program; working with students and helping them set and meet educational needs and goals; participating in program evaluation; participating in extracurricular programs; preventing escapes and injury by students to themselves or others or to property; inspecting premises and searching for contraband, weapons or illegal drugs; and performing other related duties. They may be assigned to work as relief teachers in specialties other than those for which they were hired. In addition, they may work with treatment teams which combine the services of personnel in custody, academic, vocational, psychiatric, and casework areas. The teacher has an important role of providing information of an educational nature which can help other members of the team to better determine each student's treatment needs. In new and developing programs, teachers will participate in the development and continuing revision of curriculum.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of any authorized academic or services credential approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for services within California, such as, but not limited to:
1. A Single Subject Credential; or
2. A Multiple Subject Credential; or
3. A Standard Elementary Credential; or
4. A General Elementary or General Secondary Credential; or
5. An Emergency Credential.
Applicants who do not meet the above requirements must possess a bachelor's degree, have passed the CBEST examination, and have proof of application for at least an Emergency Credential. After issuance, the credential must be maintained by completion of any Commission on Teacher Credentialing requirements.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles and methods of teaching; principles of educational psychology as applied to their teaching; current trends in educational methods; remedial teaching techniques and adapting instruction to student deficiencies; emotional problems of students at State correctional facilities.
Ability to: Provide leadership and motivation to inmates/youthful offenders; teach and supervise these individuals; work effectively with other disciplines; gain the interest, respect, and cooperation of students; develop socially acceptable attitudes in students; speak and write effectively; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; and in some positions speak fluently one or more variations of a specified second language in addition to English.
Special Requirements
Must be willing to continue their educational development; maintain their credential; work in a State correctional facility; participate in group-oriented treatment programs; maintain an empathetic and objective understanding of inmates/youthful offenders; demonstrate teaching ability or potential for teaching; and have emotional stability, tact, patience, open-mindedness, and high moral standards.
Special Physical Characteristics
Persons appointed to positions in this class must reasonably be expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental, and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or that of inmates.
Assignments during tour of duty may include sole responsibility for the supervision of inmates, youthful offenders, and/or the protection of personal and real property.
