In honor of May 2-6 being Teacher Appreciation Week, I would like to take this special opportunity to send a thank you and recognition to those in our correctional classrooms who positively impact thousands of lives every single day.
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
William Butler Yeats
The past two years have been challenging ones for our schools, with education programs remaining accessible even during the necessary modified programs, implemented as part of public health measures to keep all those who live and work in our institutions safe. You have persevered, offering support to students, opportunities to learn, and transforming lives during one of the most impactful public health crises in recent history. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.
At the recent Correctional Education Association Leadership Forum, I heard from educators from prisons, jails, and other correctional settings from across the country. Many spoke of the amazing work occurring in California’s prison classrooms, workshops, libraries, yards, and even dayrooms, where teaching and learning is happening every single day. You all are the best of correctional education, and I truly feel humbled to walk and work amongst giants.
Your impact is profound. You are preparing your students to become contributing members of their communities, whether they are incarcerated folks with life sentences who add values and wisdom to the yards where they live, or students with looming release dates, preparing for successful community reentry. Correctional Education is Transformative!
Our students flourish because of the innovation and dedication of you, CDCR Teachers!
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, thank you!
Shannon Swain, Superintendent
Office of Correctional Education