Whittany Underwood
Glasgow
Summary
Dynamic, data-driven educator with extensive experience in literacy intervention and instructional strategies. Expertise in professional development planning, reading instruction, and family literacy engagement positions as a valuable asset in fostering student success. Committed to leveraging proven skills as a Literacy Specialist to enhance student performance while supporting collaborative team growth. Passionate about creating innovative solutions that empower learners and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
District Literacy Specialist
Allen County Board of Education
Scottsville, KY
01.2024 - Current
- Launched Walk to Read intervention model at Allen County Primary Center (used diagnostics to create skill groups, created an intervention schedule)
- Designed lesson plans that incorporated best practices from research-based initiatives for Walk to Read
- Assessed student progress using formative assessments, progress monitoring, and data analysis techniques
- Established an intervention plan for students who were not meeting grade level expectations in reading and writing.
- Established and updated records through reading improvement plans for all Tier 3 students
- Maintained accurate records of each student's progress throughout the year utilizing data collection tools
- Provided guidance and support for teachers during intervention activities within the classroom setting.
- Modeled intervention lessons for classroom teachers
- Led regular MTSS meetings to analyze student data to inform instructional and behavioral support plans
- Conducted professional development sessions for faculty members focused on evidence-based practices in literacy instruction.
- Coordinated family engagement events designed to foster parent involvement in the literacy program.
- Engaged parents by providing them with strategies they can use at home to help their children become better readers.
- Participated in Professional Development on current research-based approaches to reading (Orton Gillingham Comprehensive Training, Orton Gillingham Morphology Training, Marzano Institute)
- Co-planned District Professional Development based on teacher need (ACSConnect)
- Facilitated peer coaching initiatives among educators to enhance collective expertise in teaching various aspects of reading and writing skills.
Teacher-5th and 6th Grade Reading and Writing
Austin Tracy Elementary
Glasgow, KY
10.2021 - 12.2023
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Managed student behavior in classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
- Encouraged student critical thinking and discussion using variety of teaching techniques.
- Prepared and presented lesson plans in academic subjects using traditional and modern teaching techniques.
- Differentiated instruction according to student skill level.
Assistant Principal
Gamaliel Elementary
Gamaliel, KY
04.2020 - 10.2021
- Developed positive school climate by building effective communication within school.
- Enforced disciplinary policies and procedures.
- Displayed strong decision making abilities and confidence to staff and students.
- Reviewed standardized test results to assess student progress and academic performance.
- Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes and class orientation sessions.
- Instructed teachers on classroom management, behavior and instructional strategies.
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle.
- Evaluated student behavior issues by reviewing established discipline standards and noting trends in infractions.
- Developed and implemented programs to assess student achievement aligned with district, state and local initiatives.
- Presented resources and opportunities to teaching staff for further professional development and curriculum training courses.
- Facilitated staff meetings to convey policy changes and hear employee input.
Teacher
Tompkinsville Elementary
Tompkinsville, KY
08.2013 - 05.2020
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Differentiated instruction according to student skill level.
- Helped students build learning and study skills to achieve educational goals.
- Engaged students and boosted understanding of material using focused instructional strategies and hands-on activities.
- Monitored student progress using exams and assignments to check for thorough understanding.
- Assisted fellow teachers with assignment development, special projects, tests, administrative updates and grading.
- Scheduled and held parent-teacher conferences to keep parents up-to-date on children's academic performance.
- Worked outside normal hours to be available to answer parent and student questions.
- Combined discipline plan with effective measures and lesson plans to increase concentration, participation and progress student accountability.
- Encouraged student critical thinking and discussion using variety of teaching techniques.
- Maintained positive classroom environments by reinforcing rules for behavior and relationship-building actions.
- Developed lessons, activities and materials to cover required course material.
- Maintained safe, clean, and organized classroom environment.
- Attended in-service training and professional development courses to stay on top of policy and education changes.
Education
National Boards - Literacy Specialist
Kentucky Department of Education
12.2019
Rank I - Educational Administration
University of The Cumberlands
KY05.2018
Master of Arts - Teacher Leader
University of The Cumberlands
KY05.2016
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Western Kentucky University
KY05.2011
Skills
- Establishing positive relationships with students
- Professional Development Planning
- Standardized testing and scoring
- Technologies integration
- Differentiated instruction
- Flexible and adaptive
- Active participation in Site Based Decision Making Council
- STLP sponsor for 6 years
- Student Performance Data
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Reading instruction
- Instructional strategies
- Reading intervention
- Family literacy
- Instructional planning
- Data-driven instruction
- Collaborative learning
- Elementary literacy
- Literacy coaching
Certification
- National Board Literacy Specialist
- Rank 1 Administration
- Teacher Leader
- Elementary Education
- Google Certified
Timeline
District Literacy Specialist
Allen County Board of Education
01.2024 - Current
Teacher-5th and 6th Grade Reading and Writing
Austin Tracy Elementary
10.2021 - 12.2023
Assistant Principal
Gamaliel Elementary
04.2020 - 10.2021
Teacher
Tompkinsville Elementary
08.2013 - 05.2020
Rank I - Educational Administration
University of The Cumberlands
Master of Arts - Teacher Leader
University of The Cumberlands
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Western Kentucky University
National Boards - Literacy Specialist
Kentucky Department of Education