A Montessori prison education | Brian Walsh | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014

Prison is one of the most un-fun places one can live and work. Preschools are all about fun. But both are about preparing people for the real world. Brian argues that we can unlock the future of prison education by relearning the lessons of preschool. Brian leads the offender education program for Peninsula College at two state prisons in the northwest corner of Washington state's Olympic Peninsula. As Associate Dean of Basic Skills and Corrections, Brian started the first prison-based Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (IBEST) program, a nationally recognized curriculum for adult education in Washington state. He began five new vocational programs including Sustainable Horticulture, Artisan Baking, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Green Building and Computer Programming and Development. In November 2013, Brian was recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change, one of "10 local heroes who are taking creative approaches in using technology to enhance learning for students in communities across the country."