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One of the great things about the modern prison system is the opportunity for inmates to better themselves through education.  It's clearly one of the best things you can do with your "time."  The goal is (obviously) to give prisoners the tools they need to survive on the outside, once they're released, so that they don't turn back to a life of crime.  So, when I discovered the details of Mark Shamburger's arrest - it's a bit of an understatement to say I was shocked to see this process work in reverse.

Shamburger wasn't a regular kind of teacher

You see, Mark is (or was, rather) a very special kind of teacher.  His classroom was inside the Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson, Louisiana where his job was to help inmates get or continue their education.  According to the latest statistics, 48% of Louisiana inmates don't have a high school diploma when they are brought into the correctional system.  When you combine that with the fact that having one makes you statistically less likely to commit a crime - it becomes clear how important educating inmates really is.

He wasn't just teaching the basics

According to the report from FOX8Live, Shamburger was arrested on Monday (Sept. 13) after he finally admitted to investigators at the facility that he had been smuggling contraband to his students.  Along with the books and tests, Shamburger was packing mobile phones, cigarettes, and alcohol to pass along to his students/inmates.

Maybe a little time on the "other side" will set him straight

After his confession, Mr. Shamburger was arrested and taken to the East Feliciana Parish Jail on charges of introducing contraband into a penal institution and malfeasance in office.  He faces up to 15 years in prison for his crimes.

Maybe he can learn a thing or two about following the law while he's inside.