Free professional development workshop for educators. Advance registration required.

Register here to attend in person at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site.

Register here to attend online via Zoom.

Join us on Thursday, May 8 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm ET for a thought-provoking professional development workshop featuring Bryan Widenhouse, State Legislative Affairs Manager at FAMM. Bryan will present on the topic "The Signs We Don't See," sharing his personal story to change the narrative around extreme prison sentences. Bryan’s insights will inspire teachers to bring the topic of incarceration into the classroom with empathy and critical thinking.

Following Bryan's presentation, Emily Bohn (Boonton High School) will guide teachers through valuable digital resources to help students explore the complexities of the criminal justice system, from history to policy, and Rachel Vecchione-Mitchell (Cook-Wissahickon School) will provide educators with an exploration of the trial process and the criminal justice system, offering insights into legal procedures, and the broader implications of justice in society. In addition, members of Eastern State's education team will lead an interactive activity focused on the symbol of "Lady Justice," sparking conversations about fairness in today’s society and how to make these themes relevant to students. 

Open to all educators. All participants will receive copies of teaching materials. Pennsylvania-based teachers will also receive Act 48 credit.

We strive to make the penitentiary and our site, programs, and exhibits accessible to all visitors. Click here to learn more about accessibility and accommodations at ESPHS.

About Teachbacks:

Engage with fellow educators at Eastern State Teachbacks — professional development opportunities made for teachers, led by teachers. Each Teachback features a presentation by a special guest speaker, an activity led by an Eastern State educator, and a classroom lesson discussion facilitated by educators who participated in Eastern State's Summer Teacher Institute. These workshops are designed for educators of all subjects who want to engage students in meaningful discussions about justice. Participating educators will leave with practical resources and strategies to incorporate these important topics into their teaching. Pennsylvania-based teachers also receive Act 48 credit. Learn more here.
 

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Bryan Widenhouse was given a life without parole sentence when he was 17 years old. During his incarceration he accepted accountability for the harm he caused and chose to serve the community and better himself. Bryan has developed and managed national award-winning projects and programs. He served five terms as president of the prison’s chapter of the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce. In each of those terms they were named the #1 chapter in the nation. Within this organization he also served two years as a state level program manager. In 2005 he received the organization’s highest award, the Junior Chamber International Senatorship. In other areas of service Bryan was an Alternatives to Violence facilitator, a Red Cross instructor, and a peer counselor. He successfully authored a grant to fund a prison art class and helped to develop a victim/offender mediation program. He has obtained three vocational degrees. After the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed life without parole sentences for juveniles, Bryan was granted parole in November 2020, after serving 31 years of incarceration. Shortly after his release he joined the National Life Without Parole Leadership Council with Human Rights Watch. The Council progressively works toward the abolishment of LWOP sentences and advocates for second look agendas. He has spoken to members of Congress, testified to legislators, and helped to develop a Speakers’ Bureau to use his voice and experiences to change the narrative of extreme sentences. In March 2023, Bryan joined FAMM as a policy associate. Today he is a State Legislative Affairs Manager on oversees FAMM’s policy initiatives in six states.

Emily Bohn attended the United States Military Academy, Rutgers University, and Ashland University. She holds Master's Degrees in Social Studies Education and American History and Government. Emily has taught for 24 years and is currently employed at Boonton High School in New Jersey where she teaches Dual Credit Criminal Justice and AP Human Geography. Besides collaborating with Eastern State, Emily is also a Founding Forward Teacher Ambassador, National Constitution Center Fellow and C-SPAN Fellow.

 

Rachel Vecchione-Mitchell, M.A. Ed. has been teaching for 11 years and has enjoyed being able to serve her community, specifically the Philadelphia School District. She currently teaches eighth grade ELA and Social Studies at Cook-Wissahickon School. She is beyond grateful for her opportunity at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site last summer and says it was truly life changing. She has developed a passion to educate her students on our criminal justice system and to make them aware of the systemic flaws that exist. She is proud that they have been able to expand their minds and will be able to go out in the world and be part of the change our world needs.