I am an associate professor of literacy education at the University of Maine at Farmington. Prior to this, I was an urban public elementary school teacher. I am the co-author with Cecelia Traugh of Descriptive Inquiry in Teacher Practice: Cultivating Practical Wisdom to Create Democratic Schools. Published in journals such as Curriculum Inquiry, Education and Culture, Educational Theory, International Journal of Inclusive Education, Studies in Philosophy and Education, and Teachers College Record, my research focuses on teacher development as it intersects with Descriptive Inquiry, inquiry, asset based inclusive teaching, and progressive literacy practices. Having studied both philosophy and education, I integrate qualitative research on classroom practice, teacher research, and philosophy. I can be reached at cara.furman@hunter.cuny.edu