Rachel Underdown has been selected as the incoming Special Education Supervisor for Springdale Public Schools.
“I am beyond excited to begin my new role as an administrator within the Special Education department,” Underdown said. “This district and our Special Education department are state and nationwide leaders in collaborative learning for teachers and students.”
Underdown has served as a district special education instructional specialist for 10 years and has worked for Springdale Schools for 16 years, she said. She has also served students at Monitor Elementary School as a special education resource teacher and a self-contained teacher. She’s worked in education for 18 years.
Underdown is passionate about further building inclusive practices throughout the Springdale School District, she said.
“Springdale is an innovative leader in ensuring rigorous and inclusive learning in our state,” she said. “I hope to continue the work our director, Andee Ingram, has started in removing barriers for all learners to ensure high levels of success in school and after transitioning to the workforce or post-secondary schooling.”
Ingram said Underdown is an amazing advocate for students with special needs.
"She is always looking to ensure that students' needs are being met in the least-restrictive environment and that teams are collaboratively working to support all learners," Ingram said. "Rachel has a wealth of experience and knowledge and has proven to be an essential asset to our department and in this new role."
Dr. Jared Cleveland, Springdale Public Schools superintendent, likewise expressed confidence in Underdown.
"Rachel understands no one child is like another and diligently works to discern how to best serve all of Springdale Schools' special education students," Cleveland said. "It will be exciting to see the innovative and educated next steps she'll facilitate within the district's special education programing to further serve our families."
Underdown has been married to her husband for 11 years, she said, and has three daughters, ages 5, 8 and 14.
“My husband and I are avid ‘CrossFitters’ and enjoy watching our daughters participate in sports,” she said. “I love spending time with my family watching live music, enjoying outdoor activities and traveling.”
The educator has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
Underdown said she's likewise learned from the brightest and best mentors in Springdale, which will allow for personal growth in her role as an special education leader.
“There is no better place to grow in your career than in Springdale Schools,” she said. “Our students get the best-possible learning outcomes because of the focus on learning for all in Springdale”.