The Theory Group at Ryan Correctional Facility hosted the first National Instructor Training to take place outside of Pennsylvania the week of May 9th. They trained instructors from the Midwest, walking the group through the process of teaching an Inside-Out class.
The curriculum for instructor training was developed by the Think Tank in Graterford Prison outside of Philadelphia. The training involves a week of intensive conversations and exercises, including four days on the outside, and three days spent in the prison, working with a group of inside and outside alumni. They create course curriculum, and test out exercises with the inside group. They read and discuss some of the foundational texts of transformative teaching methods, particularly focusing on Paulo Freire and bell hooks, which leads to the format of openness and mutual learning that is so key to the Inside-Out experience.
Reports back from the Michigan training indicate that the Theory Group (the group of inside and outside participants who meet on an ongoing basis) are an incredibly tight-knit community, who are committed to Inside-Out and to supporting one another as they become regional and national leaders in prison education.
What they've accomplished in forming their community and in hosting this training, is an inspiration to all of us who do this work. Thank you for your commitment and your vision. Hopefully these stories from Michigan will keep coming in!
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