Розглянуто основні напрями й етапи пенітенціарної педагогіки. Окреслено її ключові проблеми та перспективи розвитку. Висвітлено зміст і структуру виховної роботи із засудженими.The economic and social transformations in the Ukrainian society has caused not only positive developments in the country, but also exacerbated a number of problems. So, in the modern Ukraine there is a tendency to an increase in crime, including recurrent, which leads to an increase in the number of convicted persons for imprisonment. Correction of persons deprived of their liberty, is inherently extremely complex and priority issue that now faces the Ukrainian government in the sphere of combating crime. In this regard, the list of the main tasks of the penal system there is a need of increase of efficiency of educational work for education of prisoners in penal institutions.