A Family Affair
Experiencing the passing of my mother, I reflect on the legacy that two educator-parents left my sister and I. Teachers have the capacity to change lives. Celebrate educators and those who serve others.
Why Active Learning Works
Using active learning in your classroom (even a carceral or virtual one) benefits you and your students.
Student Voice and Lived Experience
Utilizing student voice (incarcerated or not) is imperative in our efforts to improve education.
Coming Home to…
Successful reintegration into the community post-incarceration is difficult. Past the Edges offers insight into just how difficult it is and offers a reentry simulation activity that helps groups and organizations to experience the challenges and create possible solutions.
Science in Prison Classrooms
Being creative in prison classrooms is essential for ensuring students get hooked on Science and learn the skills they need to compete in a 21st century world.
Resiliency Culture
Building a culture of resiliency through crisis response and peer support teams is an intentional way organizations can improve the mental and physical wellness of their staff and students.
The Next Generation of Corrections
The next generation of criminal justice leaders must think past the edges of the current system and build something better!
College Campus or Prison Classroom?
Postsecondary programming for incarcerated students is imperative, but the working relationship between higher ed and correctional institutions can sometimes be tricky.
Coffee, Chocolate, and Special Education
Special education services are mandated for eligible students, even if they’re incarcerated, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Correctional facilities and Local Education Agencies must work together to ensure these students receive their educational rights.
Technology in Secure Classrooms
Why is technology important for incarcerated students, and how can correctional institutions provide access while maintaining security?
Teamwork makes the…nah.
Leadership requires more than witty phrases. Read about a successful organizational retreat and lessons learned about taking care of your people.
Let’s Talk Coding…
Providing meaningful programming for incarcerated or detained students is not only vital, it’s easier than you think.
Finding Joy
Finding joy in your work is essential. Leaders can also ensure that team members maximize their joy at work. By identifying the strengths and constraints of each individual on a team, leaders can build an environment where everyone on the team does more of what they love.
Anybody can teach, right?
Hiring certified educators in our classrooms and to run our educational divisions and institutions is a critical ingredient to learner outcomes. Viva la educators!
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a behavioral framework that improves outcomes through support rather than punishment. Dr. Lopez explores how PBIS can be used in carceral spaces and public schools with great success.
From Burned Out to Fired Up: Stress
Teachers and correctional professionals share common stressors…these are tough jobs with unique challenges. We can avoid burnout by managing the stress that comes with the work. Explore two great resources to help you manage stress, no matter what you do for a living or how you live.
Media + Correctional Programming = WIN!
What are the challenges and benefits to inviting media inside your institution or campus to see and report on the great work you’re doing? This post takes a look and offers some insight into getting our work out to the rest of the world.
Are You Open to Feedback?
Learning how to give and receive feedback is a critical tool in any great leader’s tool kit.
From Burned Out to Fired Up: Sleep
Lack of sleep is one component of burn out. Let’s look at why and how we can get what we need to be our healthiest selves.
Giving Students Choices (even incarcerated ones)
Choice menus are an excellent way to give learners and staff agency over their learning. Used in a behavioral modification framework, they can also motivate learners (students and staff) by incentivizing pro-social behaviors. Working in a jail, prison, detention center, or other alternative setting? Choice menus work wonders!