100% Free • Self-Paced • Written by People Who've Been There
Daily Lessons for Every Stage of Your Journey
From investigation to reentry—practical strategies from people who've navigated the system. Be the CEO of your life, not a victim of circumstance.
8 Journey Stages
From investigation through reentry—every stage covered.
7 In-Depth Courses
Self-directed courses for sentencing, PSR, and beyond.
Proven Strategies
Created by people who've navigated the system.
100% Free
No consultants, no sales—just tools you need.
Choose Your Path
Each module contains practical lessons to help you prepare, survive, and thrive—no matter where you are in your journey.
Under Investigation
Learn how to respond strategically when authorities are investigating you.
Charges and Plea
Navigate the complex process of charges and plea negotiations.
Pre-Sentence
Prepare for sentencing with strategies that can make a real difference.
Programs in BOP
Maximize your time with programs that reduce sentences and build skills.
Day to Day Prison Life
Develop routines and strategies to thrive during incarceration.
Success After Release
Build the foundation for a successful life after prison.
Post Release
Navigate reentry, supervised release, and rebuild your life.
Supporting Loved Ones
Learn how to effectively support someone through incarceration.
Continue Exploring
Looking for structured courses?
Our self-directed courses provide in-depth guidance for specific stages—from writing your sentencing narrative to preparing for release.
View Self-Directed CoursesGuidance Before and After Sentencing
Free, self-directed courses to support people at every stage of the criminal justice process. Each course is built around the specific decisions and preparation required at that moment in the journey.
Each course opens to a dedicated page with lessons and practical materials tailored to a specific stage of the justice journey.
Course content may include video, audio, written lessons, and downloadable PDFs.
Courses are designed for self-directed use, allowing individuals and families to work through the material at their own pace.
Participants learn how to use artificial intelligence as a resource through guided prompts and structured exercises.
Access Note: Courses are available to any registered user. Registration requires only an email address and provides immediate access to all courses and content on Prison Professors. We never charge for the digital resources we provide.
Participants are encouraged to use our AI-assisted tools as part of the learning process. If you need additional help, please visit our Contact Us page.
Profiles
The Profiles course provides a structured way for individuals facing the criminal justice system to document how they are preparing for the journey ahead. Through written entries and guided exercises, participants create a clear, organized record of accountability, growth, and preparation that can support self-advocacy at every stage of the process.
Best Used For:
- •Building a self-directed mitigation record
- •Documenting accountability, growth, and preparation
- •Organizing materials for sentencing, incarceration, and reentry
Straight-A Guide
The Straight-A Guide introduces a structured framework to help individuals clarify their values, set meaningful goals, and make consistent, accountable decisions throughout the justice journey. Participants learn how to align daily actions with long-term objectives, even during periods of uncertainty and disruption.
Best Used For:
- •Clarifying values and priorities
- •Building accountability and goal-setting habits
- •Supporting a self-directed mitigation and preparation strategy
Prison Presentation
This course captures the core message Michael Santos shares about taking ownership of your future, even while facing the constraints of the criminal justice system. It introduces a practical framework for personal accountability, self-directed preparation, and long-term thinking during one of the most disruptive periods of life.
Best Used For:
- •Orientation and mindset development
- •Building self-directed accountability and preparation
- •Reinforcing a long-term perspective during uncertainty
Sentencing Narrative
This course guides individuals through the process of writing an effective, first-person sentencing narrative that helps the judge understand who they are beyond the offense. Participants learn why their personal narrative matters, even when represented by counsel, and how their own words can provide context, accountability, and humanity that legal filings alone cannot convey.
Best Used For:
- •Writing a first-person sentencing narrative
- •Supporting a comprehensive self-directed mitigation strategy
- •Helping judges see context, accountability, and growth
Character Reference Letters
This course teaches individuals how to design and manage a thoughtful, ethical campaign to gather effective character reference letters for sentencing and mitigation. Participants learn why character letters matter, how judges read them, and why a coordinated approach is far more persuasive than collecting generic or last-minute statements.
Best Used For:
- •Building a coordinated character reference campaign
- •Supporting a comprehensive self-directed mitigation strategy
- •Helping judges see credible community support and accountability
Presentence Investigation Prep
This course teaches individuals how to prepare strategically for the Presentence Investigation Report (PSR), one of the most influential documents in the sentencing process and beyond. Participants learn why the PSR matters, how probation officers compile it, and how information gathered at this stage can affect sentencing, programming, placement, and release opportunities.
Best Used For:
- •Preparing for the Presentence Investigation Report interview
- •Supporting a comprehensive self-directed mitigation strategy
- •Improving accuracy, documentation, and long-term readiness
Preparing for Success After Prison
This course helps individuals prepare intentionally for life after prison by building habits, skills, and documentation that support a successful transition back into the community. Participants learn how to plan for reentry before release, focusing on accountability, consistency, and practical preparation rather than last-minute decisions.
Best Used For:
- •Preparing for reentry and life after release
- •Building documented habits, goals, and accountability
- •Supporting a long-term, self-directed preparation strategy
Playbook: Become the CEO of Your Life
The Playbook course provides a practical framework for individuals facing the criminal justice system to think strategically, use time deliberately, and prepare for better outcomes. Through guided lessons and writing exercises, participants learn how to build a record of accountability, growth, and preparation that can support self-advocacy at every stage of the journey.
Best Used For:
- •Building a self-directed mitigation record
- •Developing a plan for sentencing, imprisonment, and reentry
- •Documenting accountability, discipline, and preparation
Track Your Progress
Document Your Journey on Profiles
As you complete lessons, build your Profile on Prison Professors. Document your growth, earn points, and create a record of transformation that shows you're committed to success.
Profiles Created
Words Written
Points Earned
Active Facilities
Explore More Resources
Lessons are just the beginning. Explore our complete library of free resources.
Free Books
15+ books covering sentencing prep, thriving inside, and successful reentry—all free.
Podcasts
Real conversations with formerly incarcerated leaders, attorneys, and advocates.
Build Your Profile
Document your journey, earn points, and create a record of transformation.
Ready to Start Learning?
Begin with any lesson—they're all free and designed to help you succeed.