Mackenzie Harper is a PBL Specialist for K-12 at STEM School Highlands Ranch. She started teaching Middle School Science and, later, fifth grade at STEM. She was a part-time instructional coach for three years before the emergence of the Teacher Support Team in 2021. She has taught middle school math and science at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning. She has worked in DPS as the site director for Wyatt Academy’s summer at-risk youth recovery program.
Mackenzie has a Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership, with graduate certificates in Special and Inclusive Education, Social Emotional Learning and Inquiry-Based Pedagogy. Prior to completing her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, she worked part-time in classrooms since 2010, was an instructional assistant at Primrose Preschool, and organized youth programming for the YMCA.
Her role as PBL Specialist involves collaborating with teams to implement the KOSON Problem Based Learning Instructional Model. She additionally helps classrooms connect with the community through field trips and industry partnerships. She loves meeting new people that can inspire and motivate children to make real changes in the community!
Mackenzie grew up in Newport, Rhode Island, sailing and playing lacrosse. She became a college athlete and, for two years, served as the student body president for the National Collegiate Athletics Association. She enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, strategy games, sailing, being outside, and playing with her dog, Captain Snuggles.
