"Figure out who you are and do it on purpose."
~Dolly Parton
MY STORY
Originally a native of Tennessee, my family and I relocated to Colorado in May 2018 to pursue a lifelong career dream and explore the Rocky Mountain region. My husband of 25 years, James, is a Recreation Specialist for the US Forest Service and outdoor enthusiast. Previously, he worked for the National Park Service at Glacier NP in Montana, Acadia NP in Maine, and most recently at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado. Getting to tag along to these majestic and amazing places has truly enriched my life and fueled my desire for more adventure!
Lauren, our only child, graduated from high school and chose the University of Wyoming as the ideal place to pursue dual undergraduate degrees in Agriculture Communication and Environment & Natural Resources. She graduated in May 2022 and has answered the call to become an educator and channel her love for learning and sharing her knowledge with young students! She is now a graduate student in the initial licensure program at Adams State University. As a lifetime educator myself, I am ecstatic about her decision.
Along with being a passionate educator, I enjoy traveling, playing/watching/coaching soccer, camping, hiking, kayaking, and just about anything outdoors, as long as I don't encounter dangerous wildlife!
MY FAMILY
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
PROFESSIONAL REPUTATION
I have a long history of excellence in my academic and occupational endeavors. I graduated from college receiving Cum Laude Honors with a 3.49 GPA from a regionally and CAEP accredited institution. As a Distinguished Graduate, I earned a Master's Degree in Advanced Studies with a focus in Interdisciplinary Leadership and Online Teaching & Learning, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout the program. Additionally, I have received above average and exemplary performance reviews every evaluation cycle of my professional career. I have a reputation of being a high-achiever, an innovative leader, a responsible collaborator, and a life-long learner. My skills include adaptability, problem-solving, team management, planning/organization, communication, and more. I understand the value of building positive relationships and know how to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders. I have a great deal of online teaching and curriculum development experience with multiple LMS platforms, as well as working with students in the Career and Technical Education pathways.
MORE THAN A TEACHER
During my tenure as a high school educator, I taught multiple subjects and assisted in the launch of a district level virtual school for grades 3-12. As a Graduation Coach for 9 years, my work focused on dropout prevention, credit recovery, and academic intervention to increase graduation rates at one of the largest schools in TN. I have found my strengths are best utilized through supporting students in alternative and online learning environments. Additionally, I spent many years leading groups of students, teachers, parents, and community members on educational tours in Europe to encourage learning, personal growth, cultural understanding, and student success. It's more than a condition of wanderlust for me, it's a drive to be a lifelong learner and share that knowledge, experience, and opportunity with others.
COACH
As a teacher and leader of a classroom, I had to learn how to be assertive, organized yet flexible, and competent. As a coach and leader of a team, I learned the importance of encouragement, motivation, and resiliency. Both of these roles, along with being a wife and mom, helped me to understand that leaders lead best by serving others. Building relationships, respecting diversity, and creating an inclusive culture became a priority for future success.
TEACHING TEACHERS - MY NEW LOVE!
Leading people to accomplish objectives together as a team is something that seemingly comes second nature to me. Whether it is my family, my classroom, my sports team, or my colleagues, I thrive in teamwork settings. I enjoy bringing people together in shared decision making opportunities and experiencing collective successes. Encouraging individuals to pursue and reach their personal, academic and professional goals is another way I use my strengths to support others in seeing their dreams come true!
CARING ENOUGH!
A beautiful story of success that begins with a deep level of care for students.
Student Testimonial: Hector Garcia said McKinney did everything in her power to ensure he would graduate in just three years. “She also went above and beyond to consistently provide us with resources to help with studying, scheduling, and taking the Praxis exam.”
