-
To best
survive and prosper, assume the mind-set of a cultural anthropologist:
be a professional observer -- look, listen and learn.
-
As a
teacher, recidivism is NOT your measure of success -- long-term
human development is your goal, so do not base your self-worth
or job satisfaction on "classroom conversions."
-
Instead,
acknowledge your true function as a "seed planter"
and work within your short and long-term limits and capabilities.
-
Adopt
the goal of "five years of arrest-free living."
-
Build
constructive, trust-based relationships but -- maintain appropriate
limits & boundaries -- expect to make mistakes.
-
Reflect
the values and behavior (choices and responsibility) you espouse
-- consistency and continuity are essential.
-
Expect
resistance and frustration from the facility and staff. Remember
that, in fact, "knowledge is power" and the function
of inmate "empowerment" is often threatening to
prison management.
-
Stand
up for what is reasonable and right: education and treatment
directly enhance prison management and public safety. Therefore,
you are NOT the ugly step-child of security.
-
Strive
to introduce fresh energy and beauty because you may well
be the ONLY source of "life" -- you must constantly
recharge!
-
Accept
the fact that your students need different things at different
times; seek to deliver "the right intervention at the
right time."
-
You are
BOTH teacher and counselor -- the functions merge in correctional
education. LEARN GRIEF COUNSELING!
-
Acknowledge
that you are under great stress -- and that it is cumulative!
Thus you must take good care of yourself and at the first
sign of trouble, GET HELP!
-
Strive
to stimulate hope and the vision of a better world. Perceive
your potential influence as a lighthouse in a storm.
-
Encourage
and acknowledge positive self-change: increase your awareness
of, sensitivity to and ability to respond to "the signs."
-
Constantly
reexamine and strive to purify your motives: this is your
foundation! Spend time on psychosocial "house cleaning."
-
Be honest
and honorable: if you do, you will be a good teacher and your
efforts will be rewarded with constructive responses.
-
Push
yourself beyond your creative limits: do what you cannot do!
The first time you must screw it up -- so always try a new
initiative three times before you critically assess it!
-
LEARN
and GROW: expand your skills relative to adult parenting,
adult education, grief counseling, and the dynamics of PTSD.
-
This
job demands a strong heart: you will survive and prosper ONLY
by way of spiritual commitment and emotional well being --
nothing else will work and it requires constant attention.
-
Maintain
ABSOLUTE FAITH in the law of cause and effect -- an unshakable
belief that bread cast upon the water MUST come back!
-
And,
independent of the pathology of the punishment industry, take
pride and satisfaction in what you do: you are a teacher and
there is no higher calling!!
Copyright ©2001 V.N. Rollo, Jr.
All Rights Reserved
