Leading by example

Published 6:00 am Tuesday, May 29, 2018

ST. MARTINVILLE — A bright smile, an open heart and plenty of encouraging words is what students at St. Martinville Senior High have come to expect from the school’s 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year Courtney Underwood.

Among her final duties this year was organizing students who served as hosts and hostesses in handing out programs at this year’s SMSH graduation ceremony. It’s just one of the activities that has taken Underwood beyond the classroom and into the hearts of those she serves.

“I am the Student Council sponsor and we do lots of things as far as homecoming and field day and fundraising in between,” Underwood said. “The people that I work with are amazing and I wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else.

Underwood serves SMSH as a math teacher. Students in every grade level may find themselves in her class for either algebra 1, financial literacy, math essentials and even an occasional speech class.

“Last year I took her class in algebra 1,” Angelique Charles, whose heading to her junior year, said. “She’s an awesome teacher. She helps a lot, she’s easy to understand. She makes you comprehend and she’s funny.” 

Her colleagues describe her as a person who doesn’t mind going the extra mile to help out with an extracurricular activity or pitch in when another faculty member or administrator needs help.  

“Those teachers who go above and beyond is what runs the school and keeps the school afloat,” SMSH Assistant Principal Jonathan Lane said. “The students, when they see teachers go above and beyond, it encourages them to go above and beyond. She does a great job of leading by example,” 

“She just has that connection.” SMSH social studies teacher Leslie Schexnaider said. “Students in the hall address her with enthusiasm, “Good morning, Ms. Underwood, How you doing, Ms. Underwood?” and she responds with the same very kind, open-hearted manner.”

Underwood said one of her favorite rewards from the job includes meeting up with former students and hearing about their successes in life as many students give her credit for having a positive influence on their life — a compliment Underwood receives with great humility.

“I just try to lead by example,” she said. “If I’m positive, I think the kids will be positive so I try to show up everyday look presentable and have a positive attitude and hopefully that persuades them to do so as well.”

Underwood and her husband Kip are residents of Loreauville. They have no children.