Her Story
About Dr. Michelle
Michelle McCain has spent 18 years building her career in education. She began as a special education teacher and progressed into instructional coaching, campus leadership, and eventually higher education, consistently focusing on building systems and practices to help learners engage and make education more accessible. In her current roles, Michelle serves as a Professional Learning Specialist, Course Instructor, and Product Support Specialist at WGU, where she supports students pursuing teaching careers from their first course through their final master's or undergraduate coursework. She also contributes to instructional design by helping a micro-school develop curriculum for grades 6 through 8. Her expertise spans learning and development, instructional design, curriculum building, and higher education. Michelle attributes her success to perseverance, a refusal to accept setbacks as final, ongoing self-reflection, and a drive to leave meaningful footprints through her work and legacy.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say perseverance, not being willing to accept the no. A no to me is a different door or window I need to open. Being able to just keep going. Every day is not going to always be the best day, but a lot of times you are able to map out where you go. I think that has really pushed me, and then not being afraid to do some self-reflection on how I can always constantly get better. I always think about what footprints am I leaving in the sand to build a legacy behind me.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to take risks. Embrace the journey, plan for the future but accept day by day. Don't be afraid of challenges that may grow you. I think that has really helped me become a more well-rounded educator. Taking the risk and not being afraid of the challenges that may come your way definitely will give you a more rewarding career.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Always being willing to grow. Having a growth mindset, not just professionally but personally. I do thematic years like this year is the year of impact, this year is the year of inspire.
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