Dr. Amy Lopez 4/20/25 Dr. Amy Lopez 4/20/25

Expectations, Second Chances, and What They Really Mean

We throw around phrases like “second chances” and “fresh starts,” but what do they mean when put to the test?

Dr. Amy Lopez 4/13/25 Dr. Amy Lopez 4/13/25

☕ Sunday Morning Coffee: Passion Projects & Prison Classrooms

Nurturing passion is one of the most important gifts we can give a young person. And that’s true whether they're in a suburban high school, a GED program in jail, or a reentry support group in a halfway house.

Dr. Amy Lopez 4/6/25 Dr. Amy Lopez 4/6/25

Why Motivation and Engagement Are Essential in Correctional Education

Education is a proven pathway to opportunity, but for justice-impacted learners, staying motivated and engaged presents unique challenges. Technology can open the door to motivation, inspiration, and aspiration for these learners!

Dr. Amy Lopez 3/9/25 Dr. Amy Lopez 3/9/25

Prison Labor: Exploitation or Opportunity?

Every so often, the topic of prison labor comes up in the national conversation, and it’s usually framed as one of two extremes: either a modern form of slavery or a valuable rehabilitative tool. Like most things in life (and in corrections), the reality is more complex. So, grab your coffee, and let’s take a balanced look at the pros and cons of incarcerated labor.

Dr. Amy Lopez 3/2/25 Dr. Amy Lopez 3/2/25

The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing

When we nurture wellbeing in ourselves, it extends outward—to our colleagues, our students, and our communities.

Dr. Amy Lopez 2/2/25 Dr. Amy Lopez 2/2/25

Students with Disabilities: A Hidden Population in the School-to-Prison Pipeline

The school-to-prison pipeline disproportionately impacts students with disabilities, yet their experiences are often overlooked in discussions about educational inequities and justice reform.