Maria M. Lewis

Maria M. Lewis is an Associate Professor in Education Policy Studies at Pennsylvania State University's College of Education and an affiliate faculty member with Penn State Dickinson Law. Her work critically examines the intersection of education law, policy, and leadership with a strong focus on equity and civil rights.

Lewis earned her academic credentials from prestigious institutions:

• PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin
• JD from the University of Wisconsin
• BA from the University of Chicago

Lewis's research applies a critical lens to examine how legal frameworks impact educational equity. Her scholarship explores four primary areas: 1) how the law may hinder or support minoritized students' educational experiences; 2) the relationship between social science research and equity-focused education policies; 3) protection and enforcement of federal civil rights through the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights; and 4) systemic change toward greater equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice in education. Her work is deeply committed to practical applications that advance social justice in educational settings.

Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on civil rights enforcement, equity initiatives, and the role of legal counsel in educational institutions. Lewis's scholarship reveals evolving trends in how educational institutions navigate complex legal landscapes while attempting to maintain commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her research on civil rights complaints, Section 504 plans, and the role of legal counsel provides critical insights into the practical implementation of education law.

Lewis has received significant recognition for her contributions to education law and policy:

• Penn State College of Education Outstanding Senior Teaching Award (2024)
• Education Law Association's Joseph C. Beckham Dissertation Award (2015)
• American Educational Research Association, Law and Education SIG Emerging Scholar (2014)

Beyond her research, Lewis is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of education scholars and practitioners. She regularly co-authors with undergraduate and graduate students, providing valuable opportunities for emerging researchers. Her advisees and research assistants have received numerous accolades, including the Education Law Association's George Jay Joseph Education Law Writing Award and the Pennsylvania State University College of Education's Undergraduate Award for Student Leadership and Service. Lewis also serves as a regular columnist for the Legal Matters column in Principal Leadership, a publication for the National Association of Secondary School Principals, bridging academic research with practical applications for school leaders.

Lewis co-founded the Critical Legal Leadership Academy (CLLA) with Raquel Muñiz to address restrictive legal environments in educational institutions. The CLLA brings together legal counsel, compliance professionals, and educational leaders to develop strategies that maintain institutional commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion while operating within legal boundaries. Her work through the CLLA represents an innovative approach to fostering collaboration between attorneys and educational leaders who often come from different professional cultures but must work together to advance educational equity.