On Thursday, April 23rd, thirteen colleges from across western North Carolina came together for a professional development event for instructors teaching in regional prisons and jails. The Western Region Correctional Instructor Summit was a tremendous success, drawing more than fifty educators and earning overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants.
The centerpiece of the event was a reentry simulation conducted by partners from the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections. The interactive exercise allowed participants to “walk in the shoes” of someone recently released from incarceration and navigating the first critical weeks of reentry into society. For many attendees, the experience was eye-opening and helped reshape perspectives on the kinds of skills and supports correctional education programs should prioritize. The experience also highlighted the immensely positive impact of local reentry councils.
Additional highlights of the Summit included networking opportunities, collaborative idea sharing, and a panel discussion focused on the unique challenges and rewards of correctional education. Organizers hope to make the Summit an annual event, and participant feedback strongly supported that goal, with one hundred percent of post-event survey respondents indicating they would consider attending a future event.
As one participant shared, there is enormous value in “being with like-minded people who are willing to share ideas and experiences.” Events like the Western Region Correctional Instructor Summit serve as a reminder that, through collaboration and shared purpose, educators can strengthen not only their programs, but also the opportunities available to the students they serve.