Biography Ms Stewart received her BS from Ball State University in 1998, returned to her hometown of Gary, IN and taught in the Gary Community School district for six years. While teaching, she served on the School Improvement Team, created ISTEP summer school curriculum, and was an in-service facilitator. She then attended Indiana University-Bloomington and in 2005 Ms Stewart earned a MS in education. She is currently completing the final requirements to earn a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with the dissertation entitled, "Courageous Conversations: A Teacher Collaboration Exploring Teaching, Thought, and Practice." Ms Stewart's research interests include Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Urban Education.