Dr. Curtis Lewis
Assistant Professor and MATC Program Coordinator
Curtis Lewis is an assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education. He specializes in the philosophy and implementation of restorative practices and culturally sustaining pedagogy in K-12 schools. His research and experience focuses on strategies for recruiting, engaging and retaining Black male educators in K-12 schools, and the inequities within those schools that are preventing students of color from attaining success and a liberatory educational experience.
Furthermore, he specializes in K-8 mathematics teaching and learning, school leadership development, dismantling school structures and practices that devalue student voices and obstruct schools’ ability to engage in liberatory educational practices.
He is a recipient of the Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence award for his work around the State of Michigan and beyond.
Program Overview
The Children's and Young Adult Literature graduate certificate (*as part of a graduate degree program) explores materials, methods and strategies for incorporating and teaching literature for youth and adolescents across U.S. and global contexts. The program is particularly beneficial for current K-12 teachers who may be interested in exploring types of and discussions around the written word and intended audiences. The certificate is only open to individuals who are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in the MSU College of Education.
Program Outcomes
The graduate certificate in Children's and Young Adult Literature has a special focus on incorporating literature by and about those who have been, and continue to be, marginalized and underrepresented in the United States School system. In-service educators will build methods to introduce content into their classrooms on a regular basis.
Career Outlook
Graduates will have learned from MSU scholars about classical and award-winning literature and film and methods and materials for incorporating the works and discussions into elementary and secondary classrooms.
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings
Graduates of Children’s and Young Adult Literature can expect job titles and median salaries similar to the following:
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings for Children’s and Young Adult Literature Students
Target Occupation
National Median Salary (USD)
Writers and Authors
$72,280
Editors
$75,254
Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2026 Lightcast, based on information from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Please note that this information is intended solely for reference purposes. MSU Online disclaims any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in the data.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
- #13 in Best Online Master's in Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #3 in Online Graduate Programs for Curriculum and Instruction — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #7 in Online Graduate Programs for Educational/Instructional Media Design — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$937.25
$1,181.25
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.