Dr. Stacie Pettit is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Mississippi. She received her BSEd and Phd in Middle School Education from the University of Georgia. She received her MEd from Augusta State University. She holds K-12 gifted and English to Speakers of Other Languages certifications.  Dr. Pettit taught middle school in Georgia for 7 ½ years. Her background includes working with recent immigrant students on improving English skills. Her research interests include teacher beliefs concerning English Language Learners, improving teacher preparation in working with English Language Learners, and using literacy to teach mathematics. Her most recent publication will be in the International Multilingual Research Journal.