Eastern State believes in the power of education as a catalyst for change. We are committed to generating innovative tools that help learners of all ages navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system and contribute to the evolution of a more just and fair society.
Want to integrate justice education into your classroom? Please feel free to utilize the resources below!
The following lesson plans have been written and vetted by Eastern State staff, participants in our Summer Teacher Institute, and/or members of our Collaboratory for Justice Education. They are available for use, free of charge, by all educators.
Mass Incarceration (Grades 7 & 8) — Author: Aishah Nashedeem (2023 Summer Teacher Institute); Co-Author: Sarah Duenas
Prison Pipeline (Grades 9-12) — Author: Tiffany Davis (2023 Summer Teacher Institute)
Defining Justice (Grades 6-12) – Authors: Eastern State Education Team; Adapted from Justice from the Inside Up by Felix B. Rosado with Let’s Circle Up
Prison Labor (Grades 6-12) – Authors: Eastern State Education Team
Unlocking History is a video series that examines the intricacies of everyday life at Eastern State Penitentiary and in prisons today. In each installment, our researchers delve into the archives and share a unique, often-overlooked slice of history through the lens of a specific person, community, or topic.
Sports at Eastern State Penitentiary (September 2024) — From solitary exercise to team activities, learn more about the important role of sports at Eastern State Penitentiary including the penitentiary’s integrated baseball teams and legendary boxer turned Eastern State baseball player Charles “Jack” Blackburn.
Educator Resources: Video | Educator Guide
The Engineering Achievements of Stephen De Ayala (November 2024) — Uncover the fascinating story of Steven De Ayala, who designed Eastern State's eleventh cellblock while incarcerated at the penitentiary in the 1890s.
Educator Resources: Video | Educator Guide
Judaism at Eastern State Penitentiary (December 2024) — From solitary worship to the construction of the first ever prison synagogue, learn more about Judaism at Eastern State Penitentiary. How was the faith practiced by those living at Eastern State? What efforts are being taken to preserve these sacred spaces today?
Educator Resources: Video | Educator Guide
Justice 101 is a free, monthly discussion series examining the history of the justice system in America, from its founding to today, and the impact it has on society, citizens, and the world. While discussions take place live — in person, online, or both — recordings can be viewed anytime on our YouTube channel.
The Eighth Amendment: Cruel & Unusual Punishment (September 2023) — The Eighth Amendment states, “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” Has that standard been upheld by American criminal justice institutions of the past? Is it being upheld presently?
Educator Resources: Video | Educator Guide
Women Behind Bars: Why Is Incarceration of Women on the Rise? (March 2024) — Female imprisonment is on the rise in the United States, surpassing global rates. Why is this? Consider the historical context of women in prison, and discover the unique challenges faced by women as they navigate life within correctional facilities primarily designed for men.
Educator Resources: Video | Educator Guide
Hidden Lives Illuminated is a series of original animated films created by currently incarcerated artists. The series debuted in August 2019 when the 20 newly commissioned short films were projected onto the façade of Eastern State Penitentiary for 29 nights. The stories told by people incarcerated at the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution at Chester and Philadelphia’s Riverside Correctional Facility for Women offer a rare look inside America’s correctional system, conceived, narrated, and animated by incarcerated people.
Major support for Hidden Lives Illuminated was provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.
The View From Inside — Featuring Nostalgia by Paul M., Freedom by David G., Where Did It Go? by Aaron W., My Kids by Lamar L., and Lymph Notes by Qwasheam R.
Educator Resources: Video Playlist | Reflection Guide
Criminal Justice Today — Featuring The Bus Stop by Alexander S., There He Was, There He Is by Joseph K., Money Talks by Louis B., Between Two Courts by Marvin S., and You Can Go Left or Right by filmmakers at Philadelphia's Riverside Correctional Facility for Women.
Educator Resources: Video Playlist | Reflection Guide
Family and Community Impact — Featuring Dear Time by Brian H., My Boys... by Braheem L., Through Her, I Live by Clarence S., Piano Priest by Justino G., and A Special Person by Robert T.
Educator Resources: Video Playlist | Reflection Guide
Restorative Justice — Featuring Justice by Jerome L., Big Boy Shoes by Donyea P., Phoenix by Ezra B., Furever Homes by Joseph S., and We Can If We Want To by Michael L.
Educator Resources: Video Playlist | Reflection Guide
Eastern State Teachbacks provide an opportunity to engage with fellow educators in a meaningful way. These sessions — made for and led by educators — each feature a conversation centered around a topic in contemporary justice followed by an activity and classroom lesson discussion. Each spring, we offer live virtual Teachbacks, open to all educators. In addition, recordings can be viewed anytime on our YouTube channel.
School-to-Prison Pipeline (March 2024) — Presented by Eastern State with guest speakers Aishah Nashedeem (Science Leadership Academy) and Dr. Keith Reeves (Professor of Political Science, Swarthmore College)
The Persistence of Forced Labor in Prisons (May 2024) — Presented by Eastern State with guest speakers Miriam Rock (Friends Select School) and Jennifer Turner (Human Rights Researcher, ACLU)
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