Job Description
The Bureau of Prisons, Federal Correctional Institution in Waseca, Minnesota, is hiring a Teacher to provide educational instruction to inmates. This role focuses on teaching literacy, General Educational Development (GED), and English-as-a-second-language (ESL) programs.
As a teacher, you will plan and implement individualized instructional programs based on assessment data, learning styles, and available resources. You will use a variety of teaching techniques including individual guidance, peer tutoring, cooperative learning, media instruction, computerized instruction, and group instruction.
Alongside teaching duties, all correctional staff are responsible for maintaining institution security, which precedes other responsibilities. This position is ideal for educators who want to apply their skills in a correctional setting and contribute to inmate rehabilitation and successful reentry into the community.
Salary & Compensation
Salary: $69,534 - $105,845 per year.
Qualification
To qualify for this Teacher position at the GL-09 or GL-11 grade, you must meet basic education or certification requirements and have specialized experience or graduate education. U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution that included supervised student teaching and at least one course in general psychology, human development, history/philosophy of education, and teaching methods at the elementary or secondary level.
- OR combination of education and experience: a bachelor's degree plus at least 1 full academic year of professional teaching experience at the elementary or secondary level.
- OR teacher certification or licensure in a state, DC, Puerto Rico, or US territory (must submit proof).
- For GL-09: 2 years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a master's degree OR master's degree.
- For GS-11: 3 years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a PhD OR doctoral degree.
- For GL-09: specialized experience teaching literacy, GED, ESL; developing lesson plans; modifying curricula; tracking student progress; administering academic measures.
- For GS-11: specialized experience planning individualized instruction; designing curricula; using varied methodologies; identifying social/academic needs hampering progress.
- Combinations of graduate education and specialized experience may also qualify.
- Professional teaching experience must be full-time with primary responsibility for instruction in a recognized school.
- All education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Serve as a teacher providing integrated educational training to inmates.
- Teach literacy, General Educational Development (GED), and English-as-a-second-language (ESL) programs.
- Plan and implement individualized instructional programs based on assessment data and learning styles.
- Select and use appropriate teaching techniques such as individual guidance, peer tutoring, cooperative learning, media instruction, computerized instruction, and group instruction.
- Maintain security of the institution as a correctional employee, with staff correctional responsibilities preceding all others.
- Develop lesson plans and modify existing curricula to meet individual learning needs.
- Organize and track student progress through coursework using a record-keeping system.
- Select, administer, and interpret formal and informal academic measures.
Conditions & Requirements
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Selective Service registration if applicable.
- May be subject to CTAP/ICTAP eligibility if claiming priority.
- Must meet qualification requirements including education or experience.
- Must submit all required documents by the closing date.
- Resume limited to 2 pages.
- If selected, official transcript required before first day.
- Teaching certification/license must be submitted if used to qualify.
Benefits
- Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
- Eligibility depends on position type (full-time, part-time, intermittent).
- Access to a range of benefits designed for federal careers.
- Learn more about federal benefits at the official application portal.
How You Will Be Evaluated
- Your application will be evaluated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures.
- Based on your responses to assessment questions, you will be placed into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified.
- Applications are reviewed from the top quality category.
- Your resume and supporting documentation are compared to your online assessment responses.
- Veterans preference eligibles receive selection priority within each category.
- Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% must be listed in the highest quality category.
- Competencies evaluated: Oral Communication, Learning Strategies, Written Communication, Training and Teaching Others, Planning and Evaluating.
Required Documents
- Resume (limited to 2 pages) including name, contact info, start/end dates (MM/YYYY), hours per week, and relevant experience.
- College transcript showing school name, student name, degree, and date awarded (if using education to qualify).
- Teaching certification/license (if using to qualify).
- DD-214 for veterans preference (showing honorable or general discharge).
- SF-15 and supporting documents for 10-point veterans preference.
- If on active duty, a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with expected discharge date and character of service.
- Proof of ICTAP/CTAP eligibility if applicable (agency notice, performance appraisal, SF-50).
- SF-50 for proof of prior LEO coverage if applicable.
How to Apply
- To apply, go to the official application portal and open the announcement. with your the official application portal/Login.gov account. Complete the online application and answer the assessment questions. Attach your federal resume (limited to 2 pages) and all required documents. Submit your application before the closing date of August 3, 2026. Ensure all documents are uploaded and linked from the official applicat…
Additional Information
- This is a Delegated Examining Announcement open to all U.S. citizens.
- Telework is not eligible; this is an onsite position at FCI Waseca, MN.
- Appointment type is Permanent, Full-time.
- The closing date is August 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
- Applicants will be notified via email after each step of the application process.
- Final job offer expected within 80 days after the closing date.
- If referred, you may receive an Inquiry as to Availability (OF-5) and must respond and schedule an interview to maintain consideration.
- Contact the Consolidated Staffing Unit at [email protected] or 972-352-4200 for assistance.
- Veterans must claim preference online and upload supporting documentation.
About Company
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is a federal agency within the Department of Justice responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates. Its mission includes providing humane and secure environments while preparing individuals for successful reentry into communities.
The BOP operates correctional facilities nationwide, including FCI Waseca in Minnesota. This Teacher position supports the BOP's educational programs aimed at reducing recidivism through literacy, GED, and ESL instruction. Working here means contributing to public safety and inmate rehabilitation in a structured, security-focused environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common applicant questions about this position, eligibility and the application process.