Intersections and opportunities: correctional education programming and supporting the complex needs of returning citizens

Abstract

Correctional education provides either a metaphorical bridge or an additional barrier between incarceration and community. Although members of a larger community of education professionals, correctional educators support learners in an especially complex and evolving ecosystem of custody, discipline, and security. Correctional educational programs and correctional educators’ practices are of special consideration when discussing existing and potential improvements to preparing returning citizens for and supporting them through reentry into society. This article interrelates reflection on personal experiences in a range of professional educational settings with the testimony of currently and formerly incarcerated learners and recent research to highlight opportunities for and evidence supporting improvements to correctional education programming that expand resources and support available to returning citizens.