McKinney, Texas — McKinney ISD is pleased to announce that it has named Jenny McGowan the district's Senior Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning. McGowan brings 19 years in education to her new role, including 10 years of administrative experience. She has served as the district's Director of Professional Learning since arriving in MISD in 2022.
Before she joined MISD, McGowan spent her early career as an elementary teacher and curriculum designer and served in leadership roles as a literacy specialist and instructional coach. She transitioned into campus administration as an assistant principal and played an integral role in opening a new elementary campus. She then went on to serve as principal of a Title I elementary school.
In her role as MISD Director of Professional Learning, McGowan has overseen the professional learning of all MISD staff, the PK-12 Instructional Coach program, PK-12 MTSS district process and procedures and summer school.
She has been a part of the Teaching and Learning leadership team and a member of Superintendent Shawn Pratt’s Executive Leadership Team, as well as a member of various committees across the district. Earlier this August, she led the successful launch of the districtwide initiative "New to MISD" professional learning for all new teachers as part of the district's Strategic Plan.
McGowan holds a bachelor's degree in multidisciplinary studies from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University.
For the past 19 years, McGowan and her husband Mikie have made McKinney their home and are the proud parents of a daughter who is an MISD elementary student.
"I believe that teaching and learning is the heart of any school organization, and the passion a student has for learning beyond the days of a school year is ignited in our elementary classrooms," said McGowan. "As the mother of an MISD student and as an educator, I have seen first hand the unconditional efforts of all stakeholders in ensuring that we walk in our mission to reach every student, every day. I am humbly honored for the opportunity to serve as a leader of our Teaching & Learning department in support of this important work on all of our elementary campuses—to make this mission not only a hope, but a reality."