Jeffrey Lewis Email and Phone Number

I have worked in education for nearly 30 years in positions ranging from a teacher and advocate for Head Start, to a researcher, program developer, coach, and professional development consultant in K-12 settings. Much of my professional experience has involved diversity and equity-especially over the past sixteen years. I now seek an opportunity to use my knowledge, skills and experience to help shape enduring approaches to equity that foster access, belonging, meaningful participation, and success in public and private institutions. Over the past two decades, I have conducted community-based research (including dissertation research in a small mountain community in Oaxaca, Mexico), developed educational programs, coached school, UW Extension and community leaders, and provided professional development in K-12 settings. In my role with UW Extension, taking a rights-based approach, I developed outreach strategies, programs and organizational change strategies that aimed to increase access and equity to marginalized and vulnerable people in our state. The following are a few examples of my work that reflect some of my strengths.I developed Circles of Support, an assets-based approach to equity that Improves social and academic outcomes for African American and other marginalized students, while fostering supportive school climate and culture. It is currently used in 17 schools and seven school districts in Wisconsin.I have designed professional development for school staff that gives them a framework and skills to build positive relationships with students and families, while mitigating differences in status and power. I have designed and facilitated community meetings between law enforcement and residents of low-income neighborhoods aimed at improving communication and trust.I have been a member of and, at times, chaired numerous equity, diversity and climate committees, and conducted equity related organizational evaluation studies.