Michael D. Corral is the Director of the Race, Education, and Community Healing (REACH) Network at UCLA’s Center for the Transformation of Schools. The REACH Network is dedicated to eliminating the disproportionate impact of out-of-school suspensions on students of color, students with special education needs, and LGBTQ+ youth, through the development and dissemination of evidence-based alternatives. Michael’s commitment to social and educational justice is profoundly shaped through his faith and personal experiences as a low-income background and first-generation Mexican American from the Pacific Northwest, fueling his dedication to serve and advocate for historically marginalized communities.
Prior to his tenure at CTS, Michael’s diverse career trajectory included roles as a classroom teacher and school leader in Arizona, and most recently as an associate partner for both Promise54 and Bellwether Education Partners. Michael’s professional background and expertise encompasses DEIA implementation, policy analysis, program evaluation, strategic planning, community engagement, and the championing of systemic change within educational ecosystems.
Michael holds a Ph.D. in Learning, Leadership, and Education Policy from the University of Connecticut, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration from the American College of Education, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Eastern Oregon University. Michael calls the Pacific Northwest home, where he cherishes life with his wife, Courtney, their children, Diego and Lola, and their dog, Josephine.
