Staff Profile

My name is Carlos Stewart, and I have been in education for over 20 years. I began my teaching career in Seattle, Washington, where I earned my teaching license and worked with a diverse range of learners. After several years, I returned to Minnesota (purchased a home in the Hamline/Midway area) where I’ve continued teaching in both elementary and middle school settings, including working extensively with English Learner (EL) students. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that no one rises above low expectations. I encourage my students to set ambitious goals for themselves and to prioritize their education.

In addition to my classroom work, I spent over a decade as a basketball coach, building and leading a program that connected at-risk youth to the sport while ensuring a strong emphasis on academic achievement. That experience not only developed my leadership skills but also strengthened my ability to motivate and mentor students in and out of the classroom. Coaching taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, and resilience-skills that continue to influence my teaching approach today.

I’m beyond excited to work with the amazing 4th and 5th graders, many of them I’ve had the privilege of getting to know over the past several years. My goal is to bring my unique teaching style into spaces where cultures can emerge, align, and thrive together. I believe in fostering classrooms where academic rigor and community connection go hand in hand, preparing students to become not only successful learners but also thoughtful, kind, and dope young people.