Education Justice Project
Instructor Application
Due: October 1, 2013
By email to kainula2@illinois.edu
Thank you for applying to teach a course with the Education Justice Project. We greatly value your
interest! Higher education in prison is associated with many benefits for students, instructors, and the
wider community. Please feel free to contact us if you would like further information about our
work, or if you have questions as you complete this application.
Course instructors are part of the backbone of our program. Instructors commit to teaching a course
at Danville Correctional Center for one semester (the schedule approximately aligns with UIUC’s
academic calendar). Classes are always held on Friday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. We expect that
timing to remain in place for spring 2014.
Of course, instructors are responsible for designing their own courses (including syllabi and
assignments, choosing books/assembling readers and other materials, and determining course
reserve content, if any) and pedagogy. You will not, in other words, be told what or how to teach—
although we will offer plenty of feedback, as well as support for teaching in this special environment.
Another crucial part of the course instructor’s work is teamwork. As part of the EJP community, you
are asked to work closely with tutors, who provide support to your students between class meetings;
and the course coordinator, who assists with weekly questions and needs. You will be asked to attend
two all-academic team meetings during the semester to share your goals for and progress in the class.
We look for instructors who are expert in and passionate about their subject matter; who are mature
and excited about this unique learning environment; and who are able to commit the time to fashion
and exact a great course for our students. If you fit these criteria, and are either faculty or a graduate
student who has passed comprehensive exams, we hope you please apply.
The deadline for applications is Monday October 1, 2013. Interviews will be held soon thereafter,
and we expect to be able to confirm positions by mid November, at latest. Mandatory training will be
held at the prison on Thursday January 10, 2013.
There is no application form. By October 1, please submit the following to Maggie Kainulaien,
Course Coordinator, at kainula2@illinois.edu.
1. A cover letter that shares:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Your teaching background;
Your area(s) of professional expertise;
A brief description (topic and course objectives/themes) of the course you propose;
Why you would like to teach for the Education Justice Project; and
At least two references.
2. A CV.
We know that there are many opportunities for you to volunteer for projects on campus and in the
community, and we are especially grateful that you have expressed an interest in working with EJP.
Thank you.
If you have any questions, or would like to hear more about the program, please contact Maggie
Kainulainen, Course Coordinator, at kainula2@illinois.edu.
Education Justice Project
805 W. Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana 68101
217-244-3344
info@educationjustice.net
www.educationjustice.net
kainula2@illinois.edu