“I want to educate those who are going to teach in prisons, because I would like them to know how the prisons came to be and the reformation that lead to what they are currently are,” Wilson said.
VICTORIA, Aus. (PRWEB) November 14, 2022
Joseph Akeroyd was a schoolteacher who was appointed Inspector General of Victoria, Australia’s prison system in 1924. He held this role until 1947, becoming the longest-serving Inspector General in Victoria’s history. Using his experience as an educator, Akeroyd was able to conduct research that helped to change prisons.
Author Ron Wilson’s “Joseph Akeroyd: Rediscovering a Prison Reformer,” examines the experiences, achievements and failures that Akeroyd encountered during his work. Wilson was provided access to personal diaries, letters, official reports, newspaper reports and other private documentation that gave insights to Akeroyd’s agenda that established Victoria's unique relationship combining education and prison management.
“I want to educate those who are going to teach in prisons, because I would like them to know how the prisons came to be and the reformation that lead to what they are currently are,” Wilson said. “It is important to understand the history of Joseph Akeroyd and the challenges he faced to get prisons to where they are now.”
The book also contains many personal stories, detailing Akeroyds interactions with infamous criminals. The examination of thwarted escape plans, rectifying wrongful convictions, recording the final days of those awaiting the noose, interviewing those about to be whipped and following up after the events are presented alongside contemporary stories of modern day interactions between teachers and prisoner students; some humorous, some sad, some sobering.
“Joseph Akeroyd: Rediscovering a Prison Reformer”
By Ron Wilson
ISBN: 978-1-6641-0650-5 (Softcover); 978-1-6641-0648-2 (E-book)
Available at Xilbris, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the author
Ron Wilson earned a Ph.D. in Management and master’s degree in Educational Management and Leadership and in Educational Research in Eltham, Victoria. He has more than 35 years of experience in education and vocational training. In 1996, Wilson was awarded the Public Service medal for Outstanding Public Service for introducing vocational education and training to Victoria’s prison system. He currently lives in Eltham, Victoria, Australia. For more information, please visit: diosmaconsultancy.net.au.