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After a while, the inmate sought Everyone laughed. Santiago
to leave the facility. He wanted a replied, “Los Cuarenta y Nueves.”
transfer because he felt lost, accord- Lewis chuckled as they moved on
ing to Santiago. He insisted on to the next topic. Santiago beamed
speaking with Deputy Warden with pride.
George Castro, who also speaks On a serious note, Lewis com-
Spanish. mented on the value of the class.
“Soon after that, I went to Ms. “It’s very helpful, especially when
Arbuthnot and asked her to start a we get Spanish-speaking students,”
class for staff,” Santiago said. he said, referring to the facility’s
Arbuthnot and her staff began GED classes. “We try to get Spanish-
discussing the class in November. speaking tutors, but it helps if the
After outlining the approach, teachers can speak a little Spanish.”
including the materials that would Classification Supervisor Monica
be used, she announced the first Carter described the class as a good
class would be held on December 1, program that is “very interest-
their first time having this opportu- 2020. She wrote an email that began ing and practical.” It is something
nity to learn Spanish. This will be with the words “Great News!” that has potential benefits beyond
beneficial to our staff as well as the She added, “We look forward to WCCF, she noted.
inmate population that we serve.” embracing this cultural dynamic. “The class is appreciated by
WCCF is a multi-custody facil- See you there!” staff,” she said. “The fact is, you
ity that houses more than 900 never know where you’re going
male offenders. It is managed by Staff Reaction to end up and have a need for this
MTC of Utah, in partnership with On the first day of class, 16 staff language. I know a lot of people
the Mississippi Department of members showed up. They entered are attending the class and I can see
Corrections (MDOC). The facility is the classroom with smiles and looks they really enjoy it.”
in southwest Mississippi, just north of curiosity. Although some seemed “I really like the class,” said
of the Louisiana state line. nervous, most appeared eager to get Ward, who praised the offend-
started. As the program got off the ers for their approach to teaching.
How It Started ground, the staff became more com- “It’s very educational and I like
According to Santiago, he got the fortable and their confidence grew. the way they engage us. I like how
idea for the class in September 2020, Several, like Latosha Ward, a they break the information down to
when he met another inmate who human resources assistant, took the make sure we understand it. They
did not speak English. time to greet each other in Spanish. often use more than one example
“When he came here, he asked On a typical Tuesday or Thursday, when they’re making a point.”
me, ‘Where are the Latinos?’ ” she can be seen walking to the
Santiago recalled. “I said, ‘You’re Education Department. She smiles How It Is Taught
looking at us.’ ” as she passes other staff members Santiago and Lebron use a begin-
and greets each of them with the
At the time, there were only ner’s book for people learning to
three inmates at WCCF who spoke words, “Hola, ¿Cómo estás?” speak Spanish. In an effort to make
Spanish. When the inmate went to The staff responds, almost in teaching practical, they focus on the
the medical department, he could unison, “Muy bien.” type of dialogue that is commonly
not ask for assistance. He also did They share a few other Spanish used in a correctional setting.
not understand the questions that phrases as they enter the classroom, “We use words that you often hear
were asked by the nurse. where staff members from multiple inside here,” Santiago explained. He
“When a staff member spoke departments are in attendance. takes questions from the class and he
to him, trying to cheer him up, he Education Supervisor Branton presents dialogue with scenarios that
actually thought she was being Lewis sat in one class wearing the inmates see or experience on a regu-
mean to him,” Santiago said. “I colors of his favorite football team. lar basis inside the facility. Sample
tried to show him that she was a He looked up at Santiago and questions include: Do you need to go
nice person and that she was simply asked, “How do you say 49ers in to medical? Do you need a lawyer?
trying to cheer him up.” Spanish?” Do you need help?

30 | MAY | JUNE 2021 AMERICANJails