This is a live, synchronous professional learning event delivered via Zoom on Saturday, April 25, from 1:00–4:00 PM. The session will be facilitated in a virtual format and is designed as an informational forum, not a job fair or training.
Meeting Objectives
The purpose of this event is to provide educators, counselors, and administrators with a clear and realistic understanding of correctional education, with a focus on teaching in jails and prisons.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
Distinguish between jail-based and prison-based educational settings
Understand instructional roles in ESL, English and GED/HiSET programs
Recognize the role of education in rehabilitation and reentry
Learn how student support programs such as Rising Scholars and Project Rebound support incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students
Identify next steps for learning more about correctional education pathways
Content Overview
The session will include:
An overview of correctional education in California based on personal experiences
A comparison of jail vs. prison instruction, including institutional structures and instructional realities
Educator perspectives from jail-based, prison-based, and GED/HiSET instruction
Context on the development and impact of student support and reentry programs
A student voice component featuring pre-recorded testimonials from formerly incarcerated students
Guided discussion and Q&A
The session integrates educator experience, program leadership, and research-informed practice.
Presenters & Hosts (Tentative)
Presenters will include:
Jail-based correctional education faculty Jennifer Guillen Non-Credit ESL & Kim Matthews GED/HiSET (Santiago Canyon College)
Prison-based correctional education faculty Charmaine Phipps Credit English & Stephen Lux Rising Scholars Coordinator & Professor (Chaffey College)
Dr. Torres, sharing the origins and impact of Rising Scholars
TBD...
Intended Audience
This event is designed for:
ESL, Adult Education, GED/HiSET, and Credit/Noncredit Faculty
K–12 credentialed educators interested in adult or correctional education
Counselors, coordinators, and program administrators
Graduate students or educators exploring correctional education
No prior experience in correctional education is required.
Cost
CATESOL Members: Free
Non-Members: $5
Additional Notes
This session is informational in nature and does not constitute formal training, certification, or hiring. Content reflects educator experience and program context rather than institutional policy.
