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University of Illinois - Education Justice Project

EJP Language Partners Application

University of Illinois - Education Justice Project, Danville, Illinois, United States, 61832

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Overview

NOTE

- Language Partners is a non-compensated position, not a part-time job. Due November 15, 2025

for participation starting Fall 2026. 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.

Responsibilities

Attend LP sessions at Danville Correctional Center every two weeks (approximately 7 times per semester)

Meet periodically for planning meetings (on campus or at DCC)

Stay on top of EJP/LP communication efforts (read/reply to emails, write and post LP session summaries, read EJP updates as appropriate)

Participate in at least one EJP-wide activity, namely attending a Critical Conversation once per academic year

Prepare or gather teaching resources, periodically

Contribute to an inclusive LP community culture

Who Can Apply / Qualifications EJP's Language Partners Program is currently accepting applications for instructor-trainers at Danville Correctional Center. Instructor-trainers provide support for the peer instructors and help 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, LP may be for you.

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. Because EJP aims to create a supportive learning environment for incarcerated students, applications from individuals whose backgrounds align with those of our students are encouraged. 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 there is no elevator. Our main criteria in selecting LP instructor-trainers are seriousness of purpose, flexibility, and maturity.

Note: According to current Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) practice, if you are formerly incarcerated within Illinois or are actively visiting someone incarcerated in IDOC, IDOC clearance approval is unlikely.

Typical LP Night & Schedule LP meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-8pm at Danville Correctional Center. The carpool typically departs Urbana at 4:00pm and returns around 9:00pm. As part of your role, you are asked to engage in the following:

Attend LP sessions at DCC every two weeks (about 7 times per semester)

Meet for planning meetings (on campus or at DCC)

Engage in LP/EJP communication efforts (read/reply to emails, write/post session summaries, read updates)

Participate in at least one EJP-wide activity per academic year

Prepare or gather teaching resources

Contribute to an inclusive LP community culture

How to Apply We would like to learn about your experiences. Please complete the online application by selecting the "Apply for this Job" button. Note: the designation appears as a non-compensated position, not a part-time job, due to platform limitations.

The application asks you to upload a copy of your resumé/CV and provide two references. Early submissions are welcome. Applications close November 15, 2025.

Interviews & Next Steps Interviews will be held as soon as materials are received. If selected, you will be required to complete clearance paperwork and attend orientation at the prison and on campus.

Contact Feel free to contact Amber Dunse, LP Coordinator, at LP@educationjustice.net with questions.

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