Women,Gender,Sexuality Studies 398 - Practicum

Teaching and Learning in Carceral Spaces

This practicum provides students with the opportunity to facilitate weekly tutoring sessions in the Western Massachusetts Regional Women's Correctional Center (WCC) or Department of Youth Services (DYS) facilities in Western Massachusetts. Students will complete a 4-part Tutor Training with the Petey Greene Program (PGP); offer individualized, weekly tutoring sessions that support the academic goals of WCC or DYS students; attend seminar-debriefing meetings to share insights, explore challenges, and troubleshoot issues or problems; participate in PGP leadership programming and the Justice Education Series; and complete a written Reflection Journal project. Students in this course will move beyond the traditional classroom to become active participants in their learning. They will develop the knowledge, experience, and practical skills to support justice in education and to work with others to imagine, advocate for, and build a more just society in which all people, regardless of their circumstance, have access to quality higher education. Admission is by permission of instructor.