RET-NPEP Student Pedagogical Partners
Overview
Student Pedagogical Partners play a crucial role in fostering meaningful dialogue for deep learning with and among RET-NPEP Teaching Fellows through the use of discussion prompts. As part of a broader effort to humanizing pedagogy, this initiative is aimed at creating educational environments that are not only engaging and effective but also highly attuned to the diverse perspectives and experiences of students.Program Outcomes
- Obtain extensive knowledge of evidence-based facilitation practices that can be applied in different classroom environments,
- Foster meaningful dialogue for deep learning with and among RET-NPEP Teaching Fellows through the use of discussion prompts.
- Assist in the creation of an educational environment that is engaging, effective and highly attuned to the diverse perspectives and experiences of students.
- Cultivate leadership skills through assisting the academic growth of RET-NPEP Teaching Fellows throughout the program.
Responsibilities
- Facilitate monthly seminar discussions at Sheridan or Logan Correctional Center using structured prompts and recorded presentations.
- Briefly review provided seminar reading summaries prior to attending seminars.
- Support deep, reflective learning in a collaborative, humanizing educational environment.
- Receive training in evidence-based discussion facilitation from the Searle Center.
- Coordinate with Searle Center and NPEP staff to collect and return assignments.
- Travel to Sheridan Correctional Center and/or Logan Correctional Center. See more in Travel.
Time Commitment
- Complete the two-hour training with the Searle Center.
- Host nine two-hour seminars for the RET-NPEP Teaching Fellows over the course of the academic year (one per month from October to early June). Exact dates for academic year 2025–26 will be announced soon; meetings are expected to occur Wednesday afternoons.
- Check-in via email after each seminar with the Searle Center.
Training
Pedagogical partners will complete necessary requirements to be IDOC volunteers, NPEP’s new student volunteer orientations, and a two-hour training on facilitating discussion led by educational developers at the Searle Center. During the two-hour training session, pedagogical partners will learn and apply evidence-based best practices for facilitation of discussion.
Travel
Student Pedagogical Partners travel to Sheridan Correctional Center or Logan Correctional Center once per month (October to June) to facilitate seminar discussions. NPEP will assist in coordinating transportation, securing a rental car at no cost to the Student Pedagogical Partners, coordinating carpools, and/or reimbursing mileage.
Student Pedagogical Partners who wish to drive their own car or a rental car will need to hold a valid driver's license and complete Northwestern's Safe Driver Program. NPEP will provide more information about transportation and reimbursement during interviews.
Eligibility
Student Pedagogical Partners must successfully complete a background check to participate, per the regulations of the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Application
Applications for the 2025–26 academic year are now open!
A complete application includes
- a one-page Cover Letter which briefly describes your interest in being a Student Pedagogical Partner, how the role supports your professional and personal development, and the strengths you bring to the position.
APPLY BY AUGUST 17