I created this website to support adult educators who teach in correctional settings—because when I began this work, I found very few resources designed specifically for prison education. While there are many adult education sites available, most are not tailored to the unique realities, restrictions, and opportunities of teaching in such an environment.

My career in education spans over two decades. I began as a Special Education teacher, where I spent five years building a strong foundation in differentiated instruction, learning disabilities, and student-centered teaching. I then transitioned into adult education, where I have worked for the past 19 years.

I started as an Adult Education Instructor at a community college before moving into the role of Adult Education Assessment Specialist, working extensively with TABE, CASAS, and BEST assessments. From there, I served as a Professional Development Specialist and Lead Consultant for the Pennsylvania Division of Adult Education, partnering with adult educator instructors across programs and in various adult education settings to observe instruction, gather feedback, and create responsive professional development courses and opportunities grounded in teachers’ real classroom experiences.

I am currently an educator at a state correctional institution, where I continue to work directly with incarcerated adult learners. In the evenings, I also teach English as a Second Language (ESL) and math at the college level. This site is grounded in both policy-level experience and day-to-day classroom reality. Its purpose is to provide and share practical, relevant resources, ideas, and support for educators who are committed to teaching adults in correctional environments.

I hope you find this site useful and engaging!

Melanie Ferris