Request for Part-time Woodworking Instructor – Fine Woodworking Program, Maine State Prison, Warren, Maine

Howard Hatch is the lead instructor for the Maine Prison Outreach Program based at the Maine State Prison in Warren. In this program we select 8-10 highly motivated individuals from the group of over 100 men who work in the larger Industries workshop. The goals are:  to teach a high level of skills which is sought after by employers, to provide an outlet for creative expression, and to boost self esteem.

The Prison Outreach Program, a program of the American Furniture Masters Institute, was founded 8 years ago by furniture maker Brian Reid to improve the woodworking skills of qualified inmates in the Industries Program at the Maine State Prison. Approximately 100 inmates work in the prison woodshop from Monday- Friday. This smaller program, which takes place on Sundays, serves 10 inmates who show a strong desire to learn, aptitude for fine woodworking, and good interpersonal skills.

The Fine Woodworking Program teaches all levels of woodworking, including foundational skills with hand tools, hand-cut joinery, building a small cabinet or bench, drafting, design, veneering, complex cabinet construction, and finishing. Some inmates have been with the program for 8 years and have attained a high level of skill. Others are just starting.

Applicants for this position should have either:

  • 5 years of professional experience or
  • Training from a professional-track woodworking program, plus 3 years of professional experience.

To apply, please send a letter outlining your work experience, areas of special expertise, reasons for wanting to teach, and 4 pictures of your work, to:

Howard Hatch, Instructor, Prison Outreach Program

howard@hatchbilliards.com

Class hours are Sundays from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with an hour-and-a-half break for lunch at a nearby restaurant. Compensation is $300/day.

Scheduling is flexible, but at least one Sunday per month is required.

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