
Transform your teaching and learning methodology with the insight of Mackin Professional Learning
Our Approach
Step 1: We Listen
As a true partner in the pursuit to provide meaningful education and using the principles of appreciative inquiry, we begin by taking the time to listen first to fully understand your goals, needs, and vision.
Step 2: We Research
We will take the information that you share with us and research the best possible solutions available to help you reach your goals. We will turn to our team of experts,
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reach out to others in the field, examine any data you provide and align to high-impact learning theories to inform the next best steps for professional learning.
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Step 3: We Recommend
Assessing your needs, we will provide recommendations for professional learning, systems adjustments, and materials/tools necessary to propel your organization forward.
Step 4: We Develop
In partnership, Mackin will customize professional learning modules and an implementation plan designed to meet your specific learning goals and aligned to your strategic plan.
Step 5: We Reflect and Revise
Woven throughout the partnership are opportunities for reflection and revision in an efficient, organized, and informed manner.
Step 6: We Deliver
Throughout the process, we are committed to efficiency, customer service, and ease. Our goal is to deliver custom, high-quality, and responsive professional learning aligned to your vision and goals.
Our Services

Ongoing Consultation
Partnership with teams in designing and implementing transformative practices for student learning and engagement.

Virtual Learning
Custom webinars, workshops, courses and digital coaching.
Our Areas of Interest and Expertise
- Arts Integration
- English/Language Arts
- Equity
- Inquiry
- Literacy
- Maker Education
- Project-Based Learning
- Social Justice
- STEM/STEAM
- Striving Readers
- Student Engagement
Our Team

Jennifer McCarty Plucker, Ed. D.
Director of Professional Learning and Education Consultant
Jen McCarty Plucker, Director of Professional Learning and Consultant received her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with research focused on adolescent engagement/motivation and accelerated literacy growth. Her research has been recognized in ASCD’s Educational Leadership, by the International Literacy Association, and the Southern Regional Education Board’s High Schools That Work. Jen has over 20 years of education experience as a teaching and learning coordinator, ESL coordinator, K-12 intervention specialist, Lead grant writer, Magnet & STEM collaborator, English/speech teacher, reading specialist, speech coach, past president of the Minnesota Reading Association, adjunct instructor for Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, and literacy consultant.

Kia Heise, Ph.D.
Professional Learning Specialist
Kia Heise, Ph.D., Professional Learning Specialist, earned her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota. From 2008-2020, she taught Sociology courses at the University of Minnesota, Normandale Community College, California State University-Los Angeles, Augsburg University, Metropolitan State University, and Inver Hills Community College. Her teaching focused on helping students understand and alleviate social inequalities. She and her husband Chris wrote and illustrated the picture book, Little Sock. Kia brings an equity and sociological perspective to our work.

Lindsay Simmons, M.A.
Professional Learning Specialist
Lindsay Simmons, M.A., Professional Learning Specialist, has several years of experience working as an upper elementary school teacher and has most recently served as the STEM Education Programming Manager for a science center in Pennsylvania. She has her master’s degree in Art History with a Museum Studies Certificate and has a passion for learning about most effective engagement strategies, in both design and learning. She enjoys utilizing STEM and Maker Education processes and tools to enhance her students’ learning.
Contact Us Today!
We offer uniquely designed workshops, keynote addresses, coaching, and consulting services. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Fill out our form and we’ll be happy to provide customized programs to meet your needs.