About Justice Teaching Center

The Justice Teaching Center for Civic Learning was founded in 2019 by former Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis upon his retirement from the Florida Supreme Court. A graduate of FSC, Justice Lewis returned to his alma mater after retiring to teach undergraduate pre-law and political science students. He also hosted high school students on campus to participate in landmark Supreme Court cases. Today, the Center continues Justice Lewis’s legacy and civic education initiatives, including opportunities for FSC students to participate.

The Center coordinates partnerships with the legal and judicial communities and 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 offered to students and teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

The Center also designs and implements innovative and engaging professional development models and training opportunities for teachers and resource persons. Staff work statewide with voluntary bar associations, school districts, and individual schools to advance civic learning. Adult and community education programs are also available for local implementation.

The JTC is here to help 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.

Justice R. Fred Lewis (retired) is our founder and served as the Eminent Professor of Law and Letters at Florida Southern College from 2019 to 2026. He served on the Florida Supreme Court from 1999 to January 2019.

Our director is Annette Boyd Pitts. She is a nationally recognized leader in 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.

 

Florida Supreme Court Remembers the Life of Justice R. Fred Lewis

Watch the Justice R. Fred Lewis Memorial