Adelle Waldman has been appointed the 2026–2027 Paris Review Visiting Professor at Bard Prison Initiative, where she'll teach literature to incarcerated students.
Photograph by Lou Rouse.
Adelle Waldman's Appointment as Visiting Professor
Adelle Waldman has recently been appointed the Paris Review Visiting Professor for the 2026-2027 academic year at the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI). This initiative has been a significant educational presence since 1999, focusing on delivering comprehensive liberal arts education to incarcerated individuals across several New York prisons. Currently, BPI boasts over four hundred students spread across seven campuses, demonstrating a commitment to transforming lives through education. Such programs are not merely academic; they address systemic issues in the educational and penal systems, serving as a potential model for similar initiatives nationwide.
The collaboration with The Paris Review, established in 2024, represents a broader effort to bridge the gap between acclaimed literature and those who often have limited access to it. This partnership brings well-respected voices in literature directly to students, allowing for enriched discourse and a deeper appreciation of literary arts. Waldman will be succeeding Javier Fuentes, who held the position before her, and she is set to conduct three semester-long courses throughout her tenure.
Waldman's Literary Background
Waldman's ascent within the literary community can largely be attributed to her debut novel, The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P., which received critical acclaim for its sharp critique of contemporary Brooklyn's social dynamics. The novel delves into themes of romance and social status, making it particularly relatable for a modern audience navigating their own complex social landscapes. After moving to upstate New York in 2018, Waldman’s writing continued to evolve, reflecting changes in her life and experiences. Working part-time at Target during this period provided her with firsthand insights into the retail world, inspiring her second novel, Help Wanted. This book presents the multifaceted experiences of various employees at a large retail store, revealing the often-overlooked narratives of working-class individuals.
Course Curriculum and Literary Focus
Waldman’s first course as the Paris Review Visiting Professor dives into the works of Jane Austen, an author whose exploration of social norms and relationships resonates deeply with Waldman’s stylistic approach. Austen's sharp wit and intricate character portrayals allow for rich discussions that can reveal much about contemporary society. "While society evolves, the complexity of Austen's characters continues to engage us," Waldman has stated, emphasizing how Austen’s examinations of gender, class, and morality remain relevant today.
Within her curriculum, Waldman plans to invite both seasoned scholars and new readers into the conversation. This inclusivity enriches class discussions, as students bring diverse perspectives, particularly on beloved characters like Emma Woodhouse and the Dashwood sisters from Sense and Sensibility. Waldman aims to create a learning environment where individuals can explore texts from both literary and personal angles. The first class kicked off in September, marking a notable milestone for both Waldman and her students at BPI.
Implications of Waldman's Role at BPI
Waldman's role at BPI carries significant implications for both the students involved and the broader conversations within literary education. The program's focus on providing educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals challenges prevailing narratives about criminal justice and rehabilitation. It underscores the belief that education can serve as a first step towards reintegration into society, a perspective not universally embraced but increasingly shown to be effective.
For students at BPI, the opportunity to engage with a professor of Waldman's caliber could open doors they might have never considered. They’re not just learning about literature; they’re exploring their identities and the world outside prison walls through the lens of some of the most revered writers in history. This is more significant than it looks. It highlights the transformative power of education and literature.
If you're working in this space, you’ll know that programs like BPI aren't just about academic achievement—they’re about restoring dignity and hope. For many incarcerated individuals, such opportunities to engage deeply with literature can serve as a form of both escape and empowerment. By engaging with themes in Austen's works, they might find reflections of their own lives, grappling with issues of social justice, identity, and freedom.
As Waldman teaches, she has the chance to inspire and motivate her students, potentially impacting their paths long after they leave the classroom. And yet, such programs face challenges, from funding to broader acceptance within traditional educational circles. Can they scale? Can they capture the attention of a wider audience that recognizes their value? That's something to keep an eye on.
In a world where education often feels out of reach for those behind bars, Waldman’s role might just help rewrite that narrative, encouraging others to see the essential human stories that exist in places society often tries to forget. (And this is the part most people overlook.)
Ultimately, Waldman's appointment isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a statement about the potential for change and the value of education as a tool for rehabilitation. As her sessions unfold, we may witness a redefinition of what it means to teach and learn within the confines of a prison, and that's something that deserves attention from both the literary and academic communities.
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