Dr. James McKenna
Assistant Director, Professional Learning & Leadership Development
Areas of Focus:
Direct Technical Assistance
Professional Learning Resources
Support for Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Professional Learning Resources
Support for Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Contact:
Dr. James McKenna serves as the Assistant Director of Professional Learning and Leadership Development for the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE). Under the direction of Dr. Stephanie Gregson in the Teaching, Learning, and Leading Center (TLLC), Dr. McKenna supports the planning, management, and delivery of professional learning, technical assistance, and resource development in service of California’s local educational agencies. Much of his work is focused on supporting districts through Direct Technical Assistance (DTA), in collaboration with CCEE staff, statewide partners, and local stakeholders. His work is grounded in continuous improvement and aimed at strengthening systems, leadership, and instructional capacity to better serve students across the state.
Prior to joining the CCEE, Dr. McKenna served as the Coordinator of Inclusive Design at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. In that role, he provided professional learning and technical assistance to educators across Los Angeles County and partnered with other county offices and state initiatives to advance more inclusive, student-centered learning environments. His career began as a paraeducator in his hometown of Revere, Massachusetts, and has included service as a social science teacher, special education teacher, assistant principal, and site administrator.
Dr. McKenna is a nationally recognized expert in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and co-founder of the California UDL Coalition. He has helped extend the application of UDL into professional learning and performance improvement. He earned a doctorate in Education Leadership and Education Psychology from the University of Southern California and is certified as a Master Instructional Designer by the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
Prior to joining the CCEE, Dr. McKenna served as the Coordinator of Inclusive Design at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. In that role, he provided professional learning and technical assistance to educators across Los Angeles County and partnered with other county offices and state initiatives to advance more inclusive, student-centered learning environments. His career began as a paraeducator in his hometown of Revere, Massachusetts, and has included service as a social science teacher, special education teacher, assistant principal, and site administrator.
Dr. McKenna is a nationally recognized expert in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and co-founder of the California UDL Coalition. He has helped extend the application of UDL into professional learning and performance improvement. He earned a doctorate in Education Leadership and Education Psychology from the University of Southern California and is certified as a Master Instructional Designer by the Association for Talent Development (ATD).