EJP Language Partners Application

The way we started Language Partners was because there was a need. We saw a need. … I used to see guys that wanted to get into school, but they couldn’t get into school because of language, the lack of language.

- Ramon Cabrales (LP Founder, LP Teacher)

What is the Language Partners program?
Language Partners (LP) is an award-winning, peer-taught, English language program at Danville Correctional Center serving a primarily Latinx population. Our mission is to create a model ESL-in-prison program that fosters individual empowerment through a reciprocal learning community. This entails increasing the learner’s ability to communicate with others, enriching student’s connections with family members, encouraging both students and instructors to further their educational pursuits, and as a matter of social justice, challenging cultural barriers and social stereotypes.

LP offers interactive English language instruction for three hours, twice a week. Classes are mainly taught by peer instructors, providing them opportunities to develop leadership and teaching experience.

Who Can Apply?
EJP's Language Partners Program is currently accepting applications for instructor-trainers at Danville Correctional Center. Instructor-trainers serve as support for the peer instructors and help to guide and design this instructional program. If you are interested in topics related to Latinx populations, the process of teaching, designing ESL materials, or language learning, then LP program is for you.
We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. However, because EJP aims to create a supportive learning environment for our incarcerated students, we especially encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds align with those of our students. This includes members of racial minority groups, first-generation degree holders, and individuals from low socioeconomic status backgrounds. Please note that the educational offices are on the second floor of the prison and that there is no elevator. Our main criteria in selecting LP instructor-trainers is seriousness of purpose, flexibility, and maturity.

According to Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) policy, if you are formerly incarcerated within Illinois or are actively visiting a friend or family who is incarcerated in IDOC, it is unlikely you will be able to receive IDOC clearance. Unfortunately, this is beyond our control.

COVID
Please be aware that in-person programming at the program is dependent on the status of COVID-19. EJP, the University of Illinois, or the Department of Corrections may decide to suspend programming as deemed appropriate for the safety of our members and/or incarcerated individuals. Thanks for your flexibility and understanding!

What would I do on a typical LP night?
We ask all LP members to attending sessions at the Danville Correctional Center (DCC) seven times a semester, or about twice per month. LP meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-8pm, with our carpool typically leaving Urbana at 4:00pm and arriving back at 9:00pm. As part of your role, you are also asked to engage in the following ways:

·       Attending LP sessions at DCC every two weeks (~ 7 times per semester)
·       Meeting periodically for planning meetings (on campus or at DCC)
·       Staying on top of EJP/LP communication efforts (e.g., reading/replying to emails regarding LP, writing and posting LP session summaries, reading EJP updates as appropriate)
·       Participating in at least one EJP-wide activity, namely attending a Critical Conversation once per academic year (we would let you know when these are available!)
·       Preparing or gathering teaching resources, periodically
·       Contributing to an inclusive LP community culture
How to Apply
We very much want to learn about you and your experiences. Please submit the following materials online: application, a copy of your CV, and two references.

Interviews will be held as soon as possible after the receipt of materials. If you are selected to be a Language Partner, you will be required to complete clearance paperwork and attend orientation at the prison and on campus.

How to Apply
Please complete the application form below. Please note that it requires you to upload your resumé or CV. Early submissions are welcomed and encouraged. We will accept applications until Oct 2, 2023

Feel free to contact Amber Dunse, LP Coordinator (LP@educationjustice.net) with questions.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Email*

example@example.com

Occupation*

Employer*

How did you hear about the Education Justice Project? *

Why are you interested in working with the Language Partners at Danville Correctional Center?*

Please tell us about any skills, work/volunteer experiences, or life experiences that you believe prepare you for working in a prison*

Working in a prison can bring up many feelings and present a range of challenges for most of us. What do you imagine might be the biggest challenges or concerns for you?*

Please describe any subject-area or professional expertise you have that you think would be valuable to the program. Experience teaching languages is desirable, but not required*

LP members are expected to attend 7 Language Partners sessions during the semester. Language Partners is held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM (leaving Urbana by 4:00pm and returning around 9PM). Can your schedule accommodate those times? Let us know if you anticipate, for instance, traveling during the semester or being consistently unavailable on one of the evenings. *

Please list two references*

*

Resume*

Signature*

Clear

Submission Date*

Date

Thank you!