2025-26 CED Learning Initiative: Curtis Lewis

This year’s learning initiative will explore the research, theory and pedagogy of restorative justice across P–16 educational settings, offering timely approaches to strengthening relationships, deepening connections, repairing harm and creating learning environments built on trust and accountability. The series highlights evidence-based practices that support holistic teaching, relational pedagogy and restorative learning environments across educational disciplines.

Presenters will introduce and explore tools that move beyond punitive models toward practices that repair harm, build community, and support student development. This focus supports the College of Education’s mission to prepare thoughtful, responsive educators and leaders.

In this session:

Toward Liberation: Restorative Practices and the Promise of Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy in K–12 School with Dr. Curtis Lewis from Michigan State University
September 9 at 4:30 PM on Zoom
Register here.

Speaker: Curtis Lewis specializes in the philosophy and implementation of restorative practices and culturally sustaining pedagogy in K-12 schools. His research and experience focuses on strategies for recruiting, engaging and retaining Black male educators in K-12 schools, and the inequities within those schools that are preventing students of color from attaining success and a liberatory educational experience.

Please save the dates and/or register for the following presentations:

Disrupted Pipelines: Structural Barriers and Latino Youth in the Educational System with Dr. Adrian Huerta from University of Southern California
Thursday, October 9, 5PM
In Person - Room 252 EH

Tracing the Equity Intent: Policy Adoption, Implementation, and Impact on Marginalized Students with Dr. Tasminda Dhaliwal from Michigan State University
Monday, November 10 at 4:00 PM on Zoom
Register here.

From Courts to Classrooms: Restorative Justice and Responsibility Through Community Sport with Dr. Michael Hemphill from University of North Carolina – Greensboro
Tuesday, February 10, 2PM, Hybrid, IMC 217
Register here.