GLOBAL LEADERS FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

“My job is to learn,” says Lower School Director of Curriculum and Professional Development AMY UNDERWOOD. “Whether I’m researching best practices, understanding more about what teachers are teaching or determining how to pull Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) themes into our curriculum, I talk about teaching and learning all day long.”

It’s a role that Underwood—a data-driven organizer and strategic thinker—relishes. Now in her third year at Pace Academy, Underwood works hand in hand with Head of Lower School SYREETA MOSELEY and Director of Academics BARBARA SCOTT to implement strategic initiatives and ensure that Lower School faculty members have the resources they need to succeed, thereby enabling student success.

Her work includes teacher observation and coaching; curriculum review, creation and implementation; coordinating a faculty mentor program; tracking student progress; and facilitating professional development. “I really love working with people to identify their goals and then helping them grow,” she says.

Prior to her arrival at Pace, Underwood spent 16 years at Woodward Academy, where she taught science to fourth, fifth and sixth graders before transitioning to a first-grade classroom. In addition to her teaching duties, Underwood coordinated the school’s professional development and mentor programs, served on its Blue Ribbon Task Force and innovation team, helped author its sustainability report, advised the Odyssey of the Mind club, and coached volleyball and cross-country—all while running a 5:15 a.m. bootcamp for faculty and balancing family life. Needless to say, she was busy.

“My experience teaching at a variety of grade levels and living the life of a classroom teacher was imperative to me understanding my role now,” Underwood says. “I firmly believe that teachers need to remain current in terms of pedagogy and curriculum, but I know that finding the time to do that is nearly impossible. My job is to bring those resources to our teachers and make their jobs easier.”

To that end, Underwood created and maintains The Pace Press, an online hub that “anchors what we’re doing here,” she says. Teachers visit the site to retrieve required observation forms, but it also provides resources, recommended reading, online assessments and highlights from Pace classrooms. “The Pace Press is just another way to build community,” Underwood says. “So much amazing work happens here, and we want to share those stories.” She updates the site regularly, ensuring that content meets the everchanging needs of busy teachers. “The Pace Press has been an incredible resource for me as a new faculty member,” says MARTHA LEE THWAITE ’80, who collaborated with Underwood to design a composting unit to help her second-grade class explore this year’s ICGL theme of Waste. “The curricular ideas, links, podcasts and articles housed in The Pace Press enrich our classroom plan.” Spanish teacher POLI APARICIO also appreciates the ongoing support Underwood provides. “I often have conversations with Amy about the best ways to implement effective teaching

I firmly believe that teachers need to remain current in terms of pedagogy and curriculum, but I know that finding the time to do that is nearly impossible. My job is to bring those resources to our teachers and make their jobs easier.

strategies and best practices,” she says. “This support includes ideas for differentiating instruction or planning lessons. Amy always welcomes the opportunity to observe my lessons and gives me constructive feedback. She has confidence in those around her, and her words and actions show her passion for education.” Underwood loves working individually with faculty to create lessons, and because she has her finger on the pulse of every classroom, she facilitates innovative collaborations between teachers and disciplines.

“I really enjoy looking at our curriculum from a holistic perspective and creating cohesion,” Underwood says. “The ability of our students and teachers to participate in cross-curricular collaborations shows intellectual agility, critical thinking skills and great depth of understanding. Ultimately, that’s what it’s all about.”