Miami-Dade May Have Next Million-Dollar Teacher

MIAMI, FL — A 30-year educator from Miami is on the short list for teaching's richest prize — $1 million that goes to the world's best teacher. Joseph Underwood, a teacher at Miami Senior High School was recently named one of 50 finalists out of some 30,000 nominees from around the world. The London-based Varkey Foundation will award its 2018 Global Teacher Prize in March.

The prize recognizes an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession, and aims to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society. The $1 million is funded by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai, who also holds the title of vice president of the United Arab Emirates.

“I could not be more pleased to represent Miami High and Miami-Dade County Public Schools on the world stage. I truly believe this outstanding recognition is reflective of over 30 years helping my students prepare for success for both college and career pathways,” said Underwood. “I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity.”

In 2017, the award went to Maggie McDonnell, a teacher from the remote Inuit village of Salluit, deep in the Canadian Arctic.

According to the Varkey Foundation, the $1 million prize will be paid in equal annual installments of $100,000 over 10 years. Winners are required to attend complimentary financial counseling sessions and must continue to teach or provide education support for five years after receiving the prize to students between five and 18 in a school setting except in the case of planned retirement. Winners must also agree not to "conduct themselves" in any way that brings the teaching profession or Varkey Foundation officials into "disrepute."

The million-dollar Global Teacher Prize was established in 2013 after a study conducted by Varkey showed that the status of teachers had fallen around the world.

Underwood, who is also a 2018 NEA Foundation Global Fellow, began his teaching career as the head athletic trainer at Miami Senior High School while also teaching science, drama and English to non-English speakers. That led him to teach television production.

"After experiencing great success motivating reluctant students into the area of entertainment technologies, in 2000, Dr. Underwood moved into the classroom full time," according to Miami-Dade school officials. "Not only were many of his students beginning to see the value of a college degree, but those who were not considering college also saw opportunities in an exciting field where they could demonstrate and use their creativity in television, music videos, broadcasting, sports, filmmaking, and more."

A number of Miami Senior High School graduates have gone on to careers in the entertainment and news business, including a news anchor in New York City, an associate producer at CBS Sports and an art director for the popular television program "Burn Notice," which was filmed around Miami.

"These former students started out by producing video reports for their daily, live broadcast seen by over 3,000 viewers," Miami-Dade school officials said. "As a collaborative group, Dr. Underwood’s students produce approximately 165 live shows each year in English with a Spanish segment that is also produced daily."

Underwood was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2007. The Global Teacher Prize winner will be announced at the Global Education and Skills forum in Dubai on March 18.

Photo of Joseph Underwood courtesy Miami-Dade County Public Schools