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Message from the President - President Suwithida Charungkaittikul

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Editorial - Timothy Ireland and Amy Rose

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Articles:

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Engaging Incarcerated Women: Documentary Films and Discussions

Carole Roy

Abstract

Documentary films fostered critical thinking in incarcerated women by exposing problems while announcing possibilities, an approach Freire (2004) promoted: only focusing on problems can be discouraging. Participants appreciated the non-formal learning opportunities and were inspired by stories of adversity and courage. Participants reported feeling no longer ‘in prison’ during the weekly film screenings and discussions..

Keywords: Incarcerated Women; Documentaries; Non-formal Education

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Teaching Creativity in Prisons to Benefit Society
John R. Whitman

Abstract

This note presents an opportunity for adult educators to apply educational strategies in the supply and demand for creative works in prisons worldwide, justified on the basis of the value of such creativity to society.

Keywords: Prison, Incarceration, Arts-in-Corrections, Copyright, Adult Education

 

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The Role of the Compassionate Educator in Women's Correctional Education

Jameel E. Rucker

Abstract

This grounded theory study of formerly incarcerated women at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Alabama examined how compassionate educators influenced educational engagement. Participants emphasized being treated as adults, heard without judgment, and encouraged as key factors shaping motivation to learn during incarceration.

Keywords: Correctional Education, Incarcerated Women, Adult Learning, Andragogy, Correctional Pedagogy

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A Qualitative Exploration of an Educational Program-Based Correctional Housing Model

Margaret E. Shippen, Nicholas C. Derzis, and Abigail Holder

Abstract

This qualitative study examined perceptions of the Vocational Village Model (VVM) within a Deep South state prison. Interviews with incarcerated students, officers, and vocational educators revealed positive views of program-specific housing. Findings suggest vocational training during incarceration, supports rehabilitation, and reduce re-offending, with implications for correctional education and rehabilitation models. 

Keywords: Prison Education, Educational Housing in Prisons, Educational Practices in Prisons

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Reading to “Read Oneself” Within Spaces of Confinement

Elena Zizioli and Giulia De Rocco

Abstract

Drawing on shared reading experiences in Italian women’s prisons, this paper explores how non-formal educational practices foster identity reconstruction, empowerment, and well-being. Through storytelling, self-narration, and wordless books, participants re-signified their life trajectories, transforming imprisonment into a space of reflection, care, and generative possibilities for change.

Keywords: Women in prison; Non-formal education; Reading experiences; Gender and education; Adult Education

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From Being to Becoming a Reader, Between the World and the Word that Sets Us Free

Cloris Violeta Alves Lopes

Abstract

The project draws inspiration from the National Council of Justice (CNJ) Resolution, which advocates for literary practices as a public policy to encourage reading in prisons. It contributes to the process of resocialization, bringing about changes to prison life by minimising the effects of prisonisation and enabling incarcerated individuals to reshape their worldview.

Keywords: People Deprived of Liberty; Reading; Reduction of Sentence.

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The Penn State-Muncy Peer Tutoring Program: 
Benefits for Incarcerated Tutors at a Women’s Prison

Esther Prins, Marcela Movit, Kimberly Roush, 
Dare Amusa, and Tara Jewell
 

 

Abstract

Peer-to-peer models are a common approach to rehabilitation and education in prison, yet peer education in adult basic education has received little attention. This article describes the Penn State-Muncy Peer Tutoring Program at a state prison for women and explores how volunteering has shaped peer tutors’ self-perceptions, experience of incarceration, interpersonal relationships, and other benefits.

Keywords: Adult Basic Education; Correctional Education; Incarcerated Women; Peer Education; Peer Tutoring

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From Punitive Labor to Employability: Pragmatism

Aidai Salmorbekova

Abstract

In contemporary labor markets, human resource management is increasingly guided by ethical commitments to human dignity, workplace well-being, and protection from exploitation and harassment. In stark contrast, prisons historically institutionalized labor as punishment. Therefore, while this practice has deep historical roots, contemporary correctional systems increasingly frame punitive labor as a tool for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Keywords: Punitive Labor, Labor Market, Paid Prison Employment, Punishment.

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Literary Reading: The Role of Readers and Mediators

Bettina Caron

Abstract

Reading literature in prison should be an emotional experience and not used as a means of distraction or entertainment, nor to combat boredom. Its objective is to assist people deprived of liberty to improve their written and spoken language, to control their feelings, to recognise their faults and the necessity to transform them - to experience real personal change

Keywords: Reading, Reader, Literature, Emotion, Prison

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Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project (APAEP)

Kyes Stevens

Abstract

This article explores the transformative impact of the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project, advocating for accessible arts and humanities programming in carceral settings. By prioritizing organic community building over rigid recidivism metrics, non-formal education offers incarcerated individuals vital pathways to self-discovery, dignity, and lifelong learning.

Keywords: Education in Prisons, Arts Programming, Creativity, Poetry, Community

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Member News

• New Members

  • Judith (Judy) Alamprese​

  • Fitri Dwi Arini 

  • Kethsana Kanyasan

  • Robin Sarkar

  • John R. Whitman

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• Call for next Bulletin - General Issue - Open Topics

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