Following my last post introducing prion education in general, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in prison education, here’s an overview of the different roles, the qualifications needed, and how to get started.
Types of Education Jobs in UK Prisons
Prison Education Officer (PEO)
Prison Education Officers are responsible for organizing and delivering educational programs within prisons. They manage a variety of subjects, including basic literacy, numeracy, and vocational training. PEOs work with inmates to help them achieve educational qualifications, including GCSEs or vocational certifications, and monitor their progress throughout the course.
Tutors and Subject-Specific Educators
These professionals specialize in teaching specific subjects or vocational skills to inmates, including academic subjects like English and mathematics, as well as practical trades such as plumbing, IT, and carpentry. Tutors work with inmates one-on-one or in small groups to help them improve their skills and prepare for exams or qualifications.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coordinators
SEN Coordinators are responsible for ensuring that inmates with special educational needs—such as learning disabilities or mental health issues—receive appropriate support and accommodations in their education. They assess inmates’ learning requirements and help to develop individualized learning plans to support their success.
Prison Library Staff
Library staff in prisons manage educational resources, help inmates with research, and run literacy or reading programs. They encourage independent learning by providing access to books and educational materials, and often assist with exam preparations or coursework.
How to Get Into a Prison Educator Job 
1. Obtain Relevant Qualifications
For most prison education roles, you will need a relevant teaching qualification and subject-specific expertise. For example:
- Prison Education Officer (PEO): A PGCE, CertEd, or DET in education is typically required.
- Tutors: A degree in your subject area (e.g., English, maths, vocational skills) along with a teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, CertEd).
- SEN Coordinators: A qualification in special education, psychology, or a related field is required, along with experience working with vulnerable populations.
2. Gain Experience
Experience in teaching, adult education, or vocational training is valuable when applying for a prison educator role. Additionally:
- Volunteering: Working as a tutor or mentor for disadvantaged groups, or volunteering at community education centers, can provide relevant experience.
- Vocational Experience: If you’re aiming to teach vocational skills, practical experience in the trade is essential (e.g., construction, IT, hospitality).
- Education Support Roles: Consider starting as a teaching assistant or in an administrative role to gain experience in an educational environment.
3. Understand the Prison Environment
Working in a prison requires specific skills and a deep understanding of the security, behavioral challenges, and needs of inmates. Experience in:
- Managing challenging behaviors and resolving conflict.
- Understanding the prison culture and rules is crucial.
You might consider completing training or workshops on working with incarcerated populations, especially if you have no prior prison experience.
4. Apply for Jobs
Once you meet the qualifications and experience requirements, you can start applying for prison educator positions:
- HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) regularly posts educational job openings. You can search for positions on the HMPPS careers page.
- External Education Providers: Many prisons contract education services to external companies, so check websites of institutions that provide prison education (e.g., local colleges, education charities).
- Recruitment Agencies: Specialized agencies place educators in prison roles.
5. Complete Training and Vetting
Upon hiring, you’ll likely undergo specific training related to prison policies, security protocols, and managing the educational needs of incarcerated individuals. Background checks and security clearance will also be required due to the nature of the work.
6. Personal Qualities for Success
In addition to the right qualifications, successful prison educators possess:
- Patience, Empathy, and Understanding: Many inmates face significant barriers to learning, so being compassionate and patient is key.
- Strong Communication Skills: The ability to communicate clearly and effectively with inmates, colleagues, and external providers is essential.
- Resilience and Adaptability: The prison environment can be challenging, so resilience and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is important.
More details can be found on UK government’s official website