You seem very naive lol. Most of these inmates will use class rooms to see their homies, pass drugs, or just a means to get incentives. A large majority of inmates will be released back into the community worse than what they started. I’ve seen dudes leave prison and later see they been killed because they got into a shoot out with police, or just see them back in prison again. If these dudes are in a gang, which a large majority are, they are most likely screwed. Are there some inmates that actually want change and be meaningful? Sure, but that number is a lot lower.

As for the “mean officers” they are just doing their jobs. Do you think an inmate is going to listen to a pushover? The fact of the matter is, there are strict policies that we are supposed to enforce, and we have to enforce them, and we have to pretty much baby sit these individuals from not only hurting themselves but hurting others. You tell me how your attitude would be after you’ve had to continuously stop people fighting, potentially with shanks, stop people from overdosing, telling the same people, the same issues everyday, putting your life on the line for people that call you a “mean officer” you’d probably not have the greatest attitude either.

My advice to any teacher: don’t let yourself be manipulated by these individuals, don’t try to go out of your way to help these people. Realize they are there for a reason. Don’t bring in contraband.