EJP Language Partners Application

NOTE - Members of Language Partners are not compensated.

Due November, 2026 for participation starting Spring 2027

The way we started Language Partners was because there was a need. We saw a need. … I used to see guys that wanted to get into school, but they couldn’t get into school because of language, the lack of language.

- Ramon Cabrales (LP Founder, LP Teacher, EJP Alumnus)

• What is the Language Partners program?
• 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.

• Who Can Apply?
• EJP's Language Partners Program is currently accepting applications for instructor-trainers at Danville Correctional Center. Instructor-trainers serve as support for the peer instructors and help to 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, then LP program is for you.

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

We regret that, according to current Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) practice, if you are formerly incarcerated within Illinois or are actively visiting a friend or family who is incarcerated in IDOC, it is unlikely that IDOC will approve your clearance application.

• What would I do on a typical LP night?
• We ask all LP members to attending sessions at the Danville Correctional Center (DCC) seven times a semester, or about twice per month. LP meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-8pm, with our carpool typically leaving Urbana at 4:00pm and arriving back at 9:00pm. As part of your role, you are also asked to engage in the following ways:

Attending LP sessions at DCC every two weeks (~ 7 times per semester)

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

Staying on top of EJP/LP communication efforts (e.g., reading/replying to emails regarding LP, writing and posting LP session summaries, reading EJP updates as appropriate)

Participating in at least one EJP-wide activity, namely attending a Critical Conversation once per academic year (we would let you know when these are available!)

Preparing or gathering teaching resources, periodically

Contributing to an inclusive LP community culture

How to Apply

We very much want to learn about you and your experiences.

Please complete the online application, which you can access by clicking the " Apply for this Job " button in the top right corner. We realize this language may be confusing. Working with Language Partners is a non-compensated position, not a part-time job. Unfortunately, our platform does not allow us to change the word "job."

The applications asks you to upload a copy of your resumé/CV and provide two references. Early submissions are welcome. We will accept applications until November 15, 2026.

Interviews will be held as soon as possible after the receipt of materials. If you are selected to be a Language Partner, you will be required to complete clearance paperwork and attend orientation at the prison and on campus.

Feel free to contact Amber Dunse, LP Coordinator ( [email protected] ) with questions.