Curtis L. Lewis, Ph.D.
National Education Innovator | Equity-Driven Leader | Policy Disruptor
Dr. Curtis L. Lewis is a nationally and globally recognized leader in education reform, equity, and innovation. His transformative work spans over 25 years across classrooms, districts, and international landscapes. As the Founder and President of the Boldly Moving Education Ahead (BMEA), Dr. Lewis has redefined educational equity through pioneering frameworks, systemic policy reform, and the development of next-generation educators. His leadership has catalyzed change in schools across the United States and abroad, making him a driving force in shaping the future of education.
Dr. Lewis began his career in Lansing, Michigan, serving as an elementary, middle, high school, and alternative education teacher before moving into district leadership. His early work laid the foundation for his expertise in equity-centered teaching and restorative practices, leading him to serve as a turnaround principal in Detroit, where he transformed struggling schools into models of success. Under his leadership, schools saw a 95% graduation rate, 100% college acceptance, and a 75% reduction in suspensions through restorative practices. As Chief Academic Officer of a 10-school network, he scaled this impact, implementing an equity-driven instructional framework that improved teacher retention and student outcomes.
Curtis L. Lewis, Ph. D.
Founder / President
At Michigan State University, where he serves as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) program, Dr. Lewis prepares future educators from across the country and internationally. He developed groundbreaking courses in restorative practices and trauma-informed pedagogy, embedding equity, innovation, and student engagement into teacher preparation. His leadership also extends to the creation of a new teacher induction program, designed to support first-year teachers and improve retention in the profession.
Through BMEA, Dr. Lewis has amplified his impact nationally and internationally. The Liberating Learners framework, which he independently designed, is a revolutionary model for whole-school transformation that integrates culturally responsive teaching, restorative practices, and trauma-informed care with cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence and project-based learning. This framework has been successfully implemented in school partnerships across New York City, Chicago, Detroit, and beyond, with measurable outcomes such as a 22% increase in math proficiency and a 6% rise in literacy within a year at partner schools in the Bronx.
BMEA’s Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) exemplifies Dr. Lewis’ commitment to building a pipeline of future educators and STEM professionals. This intergenerational mentorship model has achieved remarkable results, including a 157% growth in critical math skills, a 92% reduction in disciplinary conflicts, and a 77% increase in participants expressing interest in teaching or STEM careers. Complementing this work, BMEA’s Teacher and Principal Wellness Fellowships provide educators and leaders nationwide with professional development, one-on-one coaching, and wellness support, empowering them to create equitable, innovative, and sustainable learning environments.
Dr. Lewis’ influence extends to education policy, where he has been a disruptor of traditional approaches. He serves on national and state advisory boards, including Michigan’s Diversity and Equity in the Workforce Advisory Group and the Michigan Department of Education’s Teacher Evaluation and Professional Standards committees. His international policy research further informs his work, bringing global best practices to the United States to drive systemic change.
Recognized with numerous national awards, Dr. Lewis has garnered philanthropic support and partnerships with major organizations to scale his mission. His expertise has positioned him as a sought-after thought leader, keynote speaker, and consultant in education reform, equity, and leadership development.
A devoted father and passionate advocate for underserved communities, Dr. Curtis L. Lewis continues to champion education as a tool for liberation, ensuring that every student, teacher, and leader has access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to equity make him an indispensable figure in the global movement for educational transformation.