Her research and teaching interests are culturally relevant pedagogy, critical literacies, and community literacy practices. Her work has been featured in the Illinois Reading Council, Journal of Language and Literacy Education, and English Journal. She conducts professional development for national and international in-service teachers with an emphasis on culturally relevant literacy teaching. Prior to working in higher education, she served as an elementary teacher grades kindergarten through third in urban communities that are racially, linguistically, and economically diverse. Her scholarship, teaching, and service is anchored in issues of equity and social justice teaching with young learners.