FW: Letter to Supporters of Prison Education

[Dianne Tramutola-Lawson]

 

 

From: Christopher Zoukis [mailto:chris...@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 12:22 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Letter to Supporters of Prison Education

 

Dear Friend of Prison Education:

My name is Christopher Zoukis. I am both a prisoner and a prison educator. I am a prisoner who teaches prisoners. Currently incarcerated at FCI-Petersburg, a federal prison in Petersburg, Virginia, I engage in my own studies via correspondence, teach a writing class, and write about social justice issues.

At my prison I am regarded as an ACE (Adult Continuing Education) teacher. This means that I crafted a curriculum, along with a proposal, and presented them to the administration. After receiving approval, I began teaching the program of study on an eight-week cycle. The class is entitled "Writing and Publishing" and is attended by 18 enthusiastic students--a full classroom.  Because of its popularity, there is a waiting list of 20-plus prisoner-students.

As part of my outreach to the general public, I blog about my class and my other educational endeavors. This is facilitated via a monitored email system and a dedicated friend who posts my blogs on my website (www.christopherzoukis.com). The blog (www.christopherzoukis.com/prison-education-blog/) relates my experiences as a prisoner who teaches other prisoners. I discuss my preparation for each week's class, the actual teaching methodology of each class, the struggles that I go through, and the successes that take place. To put it simply, the blog is about educating people. The goal of the blog is wrapped up in one word: hope, the hope that the general public will read the blog and come to see the value of prison education.

As the number of regular visitors to the blog has steadily increased, I have realized the importance of such a blog: it provides a glimpse into the little-known world of prison education. In effect, the blog opens a window, shining a light on both the need for prison education and a mechanism to support it. It is because of this light that I have come to agreements with other prison education experts to guest blog to give all of you a more rounded view of prison education.

Since your organization supports prison education, I hope that you will consider helping me spread the word. First, I hope you will go to www.christopherzoukis.com/prison-education-blog/ where you may read the blog. Second, if you like what you read, please share the information with individuals and organizations that might be interested. Third, I would ask you to tweet about the blog, link to it from your website, or simply mention it in passing to a friend who might enjoy it. Last, I would ask that you follow me on Twitter @Czoukis. After all, the movement for prison education is not a cause touted on CNN, CNBC, or Fox News. It is shared by prisoners, their families, and the organizations that support them.

Thank you in advance for your time and help in this matter. I appreciate any assistance you may provide. Keep up the great work. Those of us inside prison are grateful for everything you do!

Sincerely,

Christopher Zoukis

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--
Christopher Zoukis
P.O. Box 1000, #22132-058
Petersburg, VA 23804
Email: chris...@gmail.com
Website: www.christopherzoukis.com
Blog: http://www.christopherzoukis.com/prison-education-blog/
Twitter: @czoukis

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