Understanding In-Prison Education Programs Through the Experiences of Instructors

• In Event: Rutgers at 50: NJ-STEP and Transformational Education in Prison and Beyond

Abstract

Making education systems more equitable through the provision of access to adult higher education in correctional facilities plays an important role in addressing the widespread systemic and institutional barriers across the United States. This paper is focused on the pivotal role of instructors who teach for higher education in prison programs and presents findings from a multi-methodological project including survey (n=156) and semi-structured interviews (n=41) to consider the knowledge and experiences instructors should have prior to teaching inside, the need to be mindful and respectful of the logistics of the institution’s functioning when teaching inside, and ensuring your classroom is student-centered and considers trust, relationships, and authenticity in the process. This panel includes a discussion of these findings and provides specific context for funding and operational considerations in the era of Pell reinstatement.

Author

• Ashley M. Appleby, Endicott College