UNSUNG HERO
Kerri Mckinnon: Cheerleader for inclusive education
Lindsay Yakimyshyn Associate Editor, ATA Magazine
WHEN A STUDENT TURNED around and said “no” for the first time, Kerri Mckinnon and her colleagues cheered. It wasn’t a moment of defiance from him—it was a milestone—the first time the mostly nonverbal student had ever spoken to them. For Mckinnon, moments like this represent the heart of inclusive education: celebrating each stu- dent’s progress, whatever form it takes. Mckinnon has been invested in inclu- sive learning practices since she began her teaching career in Athabasca more than two decades ago. Early on, she saw the diverse and complex needs in her classes and wanted to do whatever she could to ensure that each student had the best chance of success. “I just always had that open-door policy, to be there for students and offer support if they needed that extra help,” she said. “My goal was always to figure out how we could get where we need to be, together.” The daughter of two teachers, Mckin- non had sometimes resisted joining the teaching profession, but was drawn to education-related roles with organiza- tions such as the Glenrose Hospital and the Royal Alberta Museum. Even more so, in each role she took on, Mckinnon found herself wanting to reach out to children and youth who required just a bit more support, patience and empathy. “I was clearly heading toward teaching with every job I took, so I thought I might as well reroute back to where I’m meant to be,” Mckinnon said.
Now in her third year as education services coordinator with Wolf Creek Public Schools, Mckinnon leads division- wide professional development and offers in-school residencies to share inclusive education strategies and build confidence in school teams working to support com- plex needs. “I always encourage teachers to lean into the challenges, as those tough mo- ments or the reflections after are some of the greatest learning opportunities.” McKinnon believes that embracing the muddiness of inclusive education can lead to finding new ways to help students reach their next milestone, whether that is understanding a new math concept or verbalizing “no” for the first time. “It’s not going to look the same for every student,” Mckinnon said, “Teaching in this context is about being aware of where the student is and figuring out how to meet them there.” ⊲ Got an idea? Unsung Hero is a space dedicated to honouring ATA members past and present who have had nota- ble achievements, either in the ATA or in their private lives. If you know of a member whom you feel should be recognized, please contact section editor Lindsay Yakimyshyn at lindsay.yakimyshyn@ata.ab.ca.
Kerri Mckinnon Education services coordinator
Local ATA Women in Leadership chair and Diversity, Equity and Human Rights chair Holds a bachelor of education degree, a bachelor of arts degree in English and psychology with a minor in exceptionalities, and a master’s degree in leadership and educational improvement
ATA Magazine Winter 2026
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