Environmental and Interactional Barriers to Job Satisfaction for Postsecondary Correctional Educators

Abstract

This article examines the situational, occupational stressors encountered by postsecondary correctional educators. Environmental limitations and complex inmate-teacher interactions form barriers that often complicate and impede the educational process. On the basis of qualitative interviews these stressors are examined and the process by which faculty can and do overcome them is explored. It is suggested that environmental modifications and increased staff awareness of complex inmate behavior can increase the efficacy and efficiency of prison-based college programs.

Job Satisfaction Behind Walls and Fences

“…Britton (1997) found that "efficacy in working with inmates" had the second strongest impact-behind only supervision-on the job satisfaction of federal custody staff. Postsecondary teachers in prisons have also reported that relationships with inmates affect their job satisfaction (Tewksbury, 1993;Tewksbury & Vannostrand, 1996).…”

Disentangling the effects of correctional education

“…While the entire Martinson debate has examined treatment programs of many kinds, this article focuses only upon correctional education programs. Previous research has consistently demonstrated that low academic skills, underemployment and a criminal lifestyle are interrelated (Thornberry and Christensen, 1984;Cantor and Land, 1985;Blumstein et al, 1986;Tewksbury and Vannostrand, 1996). Just as traditional educational institutions promote the successful integration of individuals into society, the goal of correctional education is the re-integration of offenders into society (LeBlanc and Ralnofsky, 1991;Harley, 1996).…”

“…Duguid (1997) argues that college-level programming may be particularly effective at reducing recidivism because it comprehensively affects the thoughts, values and behaviors of student-prisoners. Indeed, Tewksbury and Vannostrand (1996) conclude that there is a solid body of literature that supports the effectiveness of post-secondary education in reducing recidivism. Some of this evidence is presented below.…”