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Partnerships with the legal and judicial communities are offered to K-12 schools to help improve student understanding of our justice system, develop knowledge and skills to think constitutionally, and participate in experiential, nonpartisan civic engagement and learning opportunities. Standards-based, experiential lessons and activities are utilized to enhance student learning and classroom instructional practices. A wide range of law-focused civics programs, academic competitions, simulations, and showcases are provided for students and teachers in elementary, middle, and high school.

The Center also designs and implements innovative and engaging professional development models and training opportunities for teachers and resource persons. Additionally, we are strengthening materials for higher education and adults to expand civic learning among all demographics. The JTC is here to help your school, district, students, and resource persons enhance law-focused, nonpartisan civic learning opportunities and instruction in Florida. Let us help you bring civics to life in your classroom or community organization. We hope you will join us as we strengthen civic learning and law-related education opportunities statewide.

Our website will be constantly changing with new materials and updates, The site will provide access to the instructional resources and training needed for effective partnerships. We will offer supplemental programs such as mock trial competitions, civic engagement showcases, and more to strengthen civic learning opportunities. Our partnerships are the centerpiece of our law-focused resources. But, our new initiatives will provide additional opportunities for engagement.

Justice R. Fred Lewis (retired) is our founder and now serves as the Eminent Professor of Law and Letters at Florida Southern College. He was a scholar athlete and attended Florida Southern during his undergraduate years. He served on the Florida Supreme Court from 1999 to January 2019. He continues to lead these efforts and visit schools regularly. Now he also teaches undergraduates at the postsecondary level.

Our director is Annette Boyd Pitts. She is a nationally recognized leader in the field of law-focused civic learning. She is the recipient of the National Improvements in Justice Award, the American Bar Association Isidore Starr Award for Excellence in Law-Related Education, and the Sandra Day O’Connor Award for the Advancement of Civic Education, among others. She is a state, national, and international trainer and curriculum developer. Pitts also serves as national education chair for the National Association of Women Judges.

We welcome volunteers to assist on campus with K-12 student and teacher events throughout the year as we expand our educational and community programs. Contact our director Annette Boyd Pitts at apitts@flsouthern.edu to learn more about our efforts in Florida.

Welcome from Justice R. Fred Lewis, Founder