The Unstoppable Sharon Underwood: Powering Change through Education

Sharon Underwood is a force to be reckoned with in the field of education. With a career spanning over two decades, she has become a renowned expert, speaker, and writer, dedicated to empowering educators and transforming schools into vibrant learning communities. As the President of The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and former President of the National Education Association (NEA), Underwood has been instrumental in shaping the education landscape, advocating for teacher professionalization, and promoting student-centered learning.

At the heart of Underwood's mission is the belief that education should be a catalyst for social change. She firmly advocates for the need to prioritize teacher professional development, acknowledging that well-prepared educators are essential to improving student outcomes. "Teachers are the key to unlocking the potential of our students," Underwood emphasizes. "If we expect to see significant gains in student achievement, we must invest in teacher professionalization and provide educators with the support and resources they need to excel." As a pioneer in the education sector, Underwood has not only energized educators but also inspired policymakers to rethink their approach to teaching and learning.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in a small town in West Virginia, Underwood's upbringing had a profound impact on her academic and professional pursuits. She grew up in a family that valued education and, from a young age, Underwood demonstrated a passion for teaching. Her parents, who owned a small business, instilled in her a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the importance of lifelong learning. Underwood's early education was marked by a dedication to her studies, which earned her several academic awards and recognition as a National Merit Scholar.

Underwood's pursuit of higher education led her to West Virginia University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She later pursued postgraduate studies in Teaching and Learning from the Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout her academic journey, Underwood faced numerous challenges, including racism and sexism, which shaped her commitment to social justice and teacher empowerment.

Breakthrough Career and Leadership

Underwood's entry into the world of education was not without its challenges, but her boundless energy and enthusiasm propelled her through the ranks. She began her teaching career in a low-income, predominantly minority school in Chicago, where she worked tirelessly to provide a supportive learning environment for her students. As she gained experience and confidence, Underwood became increasingly involved in local and national education reform efforts. Her expertise in teaching and learning soon earned her recognition, as she was invited to serve on advisory boards and participate in high-level policy discussions.

Underwood's leadership skills were recognized by educators and policymakers alike, and she was soon appointed to key leadership positions. As President of the NEA, she took charge of the largest education organization in the United States, with over three million members. Under her guidance, the NEA established new programs and alliances aimed at enhancing teacher quality, developing innovative curricula, and mobilizing educators to become leaders in their communities.

Founding The New Collegiality

One of the most significant milestones in Underwood's career was the founding of The New Collegiality, a network dedicated to transforming educational institutions into collaborative learning communities. This network aimed to shift the focus from individual isolation to collective problem-solving, fostering a culture of mutual respect, cooperation, and innovation. The New Collegiality grew rapidly, attracting educators from all walks of life, who shared Underwood's vision of redefining the profession and creating vibrant learning ecosystems.

Key Strategies and Initiatives

Through The New Collegiality, Underwood implemented a range of initiatives to reenergize teaching and learning:

• **Teacher Professionalization:** Underwood championed teacher certification, promoting high-stakes testing and rigorous evaluations to determine teacher exceptionalism.

• **Community Outreach:** She forged partnerships between schools and community organizations, facilitating dialogue, and resource sharing to address the needs of both educators and students.

• **Collaborative Problem-Solving:** The New Collegiality encouraged educators to share best practices, joining forces to tackle complex issues such as teacher retention, student discipline, and technology integration.

• **Student-Centered Learning:** Underwood promoted the development of learner-centered curricula, which encouraged students to take ownership of their learning experiences.

Policy Initiatives and Advocacy

As a vocal advocate for education, Underwood has participated in several high-profile policy initiatives and reform efforts. She has led numerous campaigns and rallies, mobilizing educators and students to demand greater investment in public education, while also highlighting issues such as equal access, affordable healthcare, and teacher diversity.

Underwood's policy priorities include:

• **Teacher Empowerment:** Advocating for a teaching profession that allows educators to take risks, innovate, and lead, thus enhancing student learning.

• **Personalized Learning:** Promoting technology-enhanced learning pathways that transform teaching and learning into student-centered explorations.

• **School Autonomy:** Encouraging more flexible, adaptable, and innovative education solutions, through model demonstrations of reforms.

Humanitarian and Community Service

In 2005, Underwood co-led a humanitarian mission to Darfur with non-profit organization Vision Service. Upon witnessing humanitarian devastation firsthand, Underwood recognized an urgent call to action – leveraging her focus to empower teachers as leaders for change.

Sharon Underwood is particularly passionate about empowering educators in developing areas and disability community involvement. Her effort to manage the emotional, social, and educational tensions accompanying her crusade continues through her engaged healthcare, beneficence & community relationships promotion initiatives.

Throughout her illustrious career, Sharon Underwood has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. Her books and resources, both written and spoken, explore educational themes like systemic change, technology integration, and core building traditions within local cooperatives. By using causes which give educators a seat on policymaking tables, she enthuses intention to actively mobilize teaching with diverse talents and showcase approaches bearing firm to challenge stories on future bets, fueled student survey outcomes.

This inspirational journey of Sharon Underwood demonstrates that with determination, collective action, and an unwavering commitment to social justice, transformative changes can be implemented in the world of education.