Job Description

About Thrive for Life: The mission of Thrive for Life Prison Project is to transform lives both behind and beyond the prison walls. At Thrive for Life, we envision a world where educational opportunities provide a clear and attainable pathway to a successful and permanent re-entry for people coming out of prison. Our long-term ambition is to establish houses of studies across the country—residential communities where formerly incarcerated individuals can live together in a supportive living community while pursuing their education and growing into the loving and generous people God created them to be.

Our holistic suite of services is built upon four foundational pillars: purpose, education, employment, and housing. Each of these pillars is essential in guiding individuals through their re-entry journey, but it is the secret ingredient of community that binds them together. It is only in community that we can truly flourish and thrive in life.

Position Overview: The Teacher is the primary classroom presence within Thrive for Life’s on-site education program. This is a teaching role, not a proctor or monitor position. Working under the direction of the Dean of Education, the Teacher delivers daily instruction, drives student progress, and helps ensure the smooth execution of the education program across both houses. This role combines strong classroom teaching with light program coordination, ensuring a consistent, structured, and high-quality learning environment.

The Teacher is expected to cultivate a learning environment rooted in dignity, accountability, consistency, and the belief that education is transformative. 

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Instruction

• Deliver daily instruction across GED preparation, college readiness, and online certification coursework
• Provide one-on-one and small group academic support
• Adapt instruction to varying educational levels, learning styles, and language needs

Classroom Culture & Student Support

• Establish and maintain a structured, respectful, and goal-oriented classroom environment
• Build strong relationships with resident scholars, fostering accountability and consistency
• Reinforce the connection between academic work and each resident’s broader goals

Student Progress Ownership

• Monitor and actively drive progress against individualized education plans
• Identify learning gaps and recommend adjustments in collaboration with the Dean of Education
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, participation, and milestones (via Monday.com)
• Communicate progress and challenges clearly to the CARE Team

Program Coordination

• Coordinate the weekly classroom schedule and daily instructional flow across both houses
• Prepare and organize materials and resources for instruction
• Support the onboarding and coordination of volunteer tutors, as needed
• Help ensure consistency and continuity in the day-to-day execution of the education program

Employment Readiness

• Facilitate basic employment-readiness sessions (e.g., resume development, job applications) using established curriculum
• Support resident scholars in building foundational workplace skills aligned with their education plans

Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Dean of Education to implement curriculum and adjust delivery as needed
• Participate in weekly CARE Team meetings and contribute to integrated resident planning
• Support a cohesive, community-oriented learning environment across both houses

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Services, or related field preferred
• 3–5 years of teaching, tutoring, or adult education experience
• Experience working with justice-impacted or underserved populations strongly preferred
• Familiarity with GED-level instruction or willingness to be trained
• Strong organizational, communication, and facilitation skills
• Comfort with database systems and educational technology platforms
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Core Competencies

• Instructional Excellence: Ability to engage learners at different levels
• Ownership & Accountability: Takes responsibility for student progress and classroom outcomes
• Relationship Building: Establishes trust and rapport with residents
• Consistency & Structure: Maintains a steady, reliable classroom environment
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to varied learning needs
• Mission Alignment: Commitment to second chances and transformative education

Additional Expectations

• Regular presence across Abraham House and Ignacio House
• Participation in the broader life of the community, including occasional evening or weekend programming

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