Press Release  Massachusetts Department of Correction Celebrates Virtual Education Team for Innovation during Teacher Appreciation Week

Milford — In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) is celebrating the achievements of the Virtual Education Team, which has significantly expanded online learning opportunities for incarcerated individuals. 

Formed in response to advances in digital education, the Virtual Education Team designs and implements original, engaging learning modules aimed at helping incarcerated individuals discover transferable skills and pursue self-improvement. Their work enhances the impact of the DOC’s Orijin tablet-based education, which has been implemented across all DOC facilities. 

“The work of teachers across Massachusetts has a tremendous impact on our communities,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “DOC educators are not only implementing robust programs, but they are also creating opportunities that previously didn’t exist for returning individuals. Today, we celebrate their dedication to learning and growth.” 

The Virtual Education Team is led by Head Teacher Sherri Travers and includes four teachers: Caren Harrington, Craig McCoskery, Michael Purdy, and Rehana Yusif.  Together, the team brings nearly a century of combined teaching experience.

The team has a diverse range of expertise, including reading and math specialists; educators in history, social studies and women’s history; instructors with a background in living history and science education; technology integration specialists; world language teachers and professionals experienced in working with English language learners. Travers holds a Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership from American University and has published her action-based research titles Liberating Education: Realizing Potentials Through Systems Thinking and Conscious Leadership.  

“We know that education is one of the key elements for successful reentry into communities. The DOC works tirelessly to improve and enhance our returning individuals’ chances for success,” said DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “Our DOC teachers are committed to expanding their opportunities for employment and self-improvement while also preparing them to successfully contribute to their communities upon release. Today, we honor that commitment to education and our communities.” 

One of the team’s key initiatives is the Educational Journey: Transferable Skills, which offers over 100 modules covering subjects such as HiSET preparation, math, art, culture, music, languages and history. The Virtual Education Team created this program based on input from incarcerated individuals to ensure relevance and engagement reflect.   

In 2024, the team delivered more than 86,000 minutes of virtual instruction across roughly 2,000 classroom sessions.

The Virtual Education Team has worked to master the art and science of effective online learning leveraging advanced technology to meet the needs and interests of incarcerated students.  By offering a robust portfolio of learning opportunities, the team has created pathways for returning individuals to sharpen skills that can be transferred to many learning and life situations. Their efforts have also contributed to improving facility climates by fostering constructive engagement among participants. 

As a result of the team’s effort to expand partnerships, the DOC recently launched a new pilot program in partnership with TeachRock, an educational initiative founded by musician Stevie Van Zandt. With support from a board that includes Bono, Jackson Browne, Martin Scorsese and Bruce Springsteen, TeachRock provides free, standards-aligned resources to help teachers, students and families worldwide.

As part of this collaboration, TeachRock’s Women’s History Collection was shared with DOC educators, offering learners at MCI-Framingham an opportunity to examine self-empowerment through the historical lens of women singers.  

About the Massachusetts Department of Correction  
The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) manages the custody, care, and rehabilitation of approximately 6,000 individuals across 13 state facilities. The DOC emphasizes evidence-based programming, trauma-informed care, and educational and vocational training to reduce recidivism and is committed to fostering accountability, personal growth, and successful reentry. Through partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders, the DOC delivers innovative services tailored to the diverse needs of incarcerated individuals while advancing equity, inclusion, and long-term public safety.  

###