Dr. Rema
Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
313-577-1720
Office Hours: By appointment
399 Education Bldg.
Dr. Rema
Biography
Dr. Rema Vassar is a former K-12 public school teacher, counselor, and administrator. She currently organizes students and parents for the holistic wellness of school communities, serves on Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees, and teaches Educational Leadership at Wayne State University. With a focus on developing transformative, servant leaders committed to radical hope and love, she has also taught and presented at professional conferences throughout the United States and in over 20 countries.
Her research centers schools serving culturally diverse students and families. Committed to every student learning, Dr. Rema works as a consultant for school districts across the country, equipping educators with reflexive practices that allow them to take deliberate action and increase equity and access for all students.
In 2021, Dr. Rema founded Centering Black Children in Education, a comprehensive movement with a focus on wellness, student agency, transformative leadership, and advocacy. An annual FREE virtual conference highlights the scholarship of thinkers across the world. Unlike traditional educational organizations, CBCE is more than just a gathering of academics and educators. It's a space where Black students, parents, educators, and community members come together to celebrate Black children, identify harmful policies and practices, and advocate for transformative change. CBCE’s central components coalesce into a fugitive space, a homeplace for resistance against oppressive forces that have historically and contemporarily marginalized Black children.
Dr. Rema believes in the power of education to change the world. Consistently creating with communities, Dr. Rema brings authenticity to every space and is known for her love for the people and her desire to actualize the collective power of the people. Knowledge is power. Power is freedom. Dr. Rema wants us all to get free.
Grants
2021-2025 The Principal Wellness Project funded by The Skillman Foundation
2021-2025 Centering Black Children Conference funded by the Michigan Department of Education
2023-2026 LIFT-TQP funded by the US Department of Education
Community Engagement Activities
https://www.cbceconference.info
Presentations
https://wdet.org/shows/created-equal/'
https://www.youtube.com/@DrRema