Dr. Gillette's research focuses on the recruitment, professional preparation, and retention of excellent teachers and principals for urban schools. She has authored two books and numerous articles in this area. A twelve-year veteran classroom teacher, Dr. Gillette taught elementary and middle school in public, Catholic, urban and rural schools in Illinois and Wisconsin. Dr. Gillette mentors doctoral students and prepares undergraduates for the elementary and middle school classroom. The importance of her work is emphasized daily as she listens to the stories and experiences of her granddaughter and her eight nieces and nephews who attend public and Catholic K-12 schools.