About
Welcome! I’m Dr. Katrina Maccalous, an instructional leader, educator, and passionate advocate for meaningful, joyful learning.

With over 14 years of experience in PK–12 public education across Texas and Colorado, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting teachers and improving student outcomes through research-based instructional practices and continuous professional growth.
I currently serve as a Mentoring Specialist and Texas Mentor Fellow at Region 7, where I support new and pre-service teachers through initiatives like IMPACT ETX and Texas Mentorship Training. I also work as an independent contractor–most recently as a Suitability & Standards Alignment Manager for the 2025 IMRA cycle, Local Classroom Reviews, and as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Tyler.
My journey began in the classroom, where I spent 11 years teaching all core subjects at both primary and intermediate levels in Title I schools. I later transitioned into leadership roles, including District Instructional Coach, Academic Coordinator, and New Teacher Coordinator in a rural East Texas district. These experiences shaped my belief in the power of mentorship, reflection, and feedback to drive instructional excellence.
I hold a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Teacher Leadership and a Doctorate in School Improvement from UT Tyler. My research interests include effective instructional practices in rural schools, HQIM implementation, educational technology, and teacher development aligned with the science of learning.


In addition to my work in public education, I’m the founder of Inspire the Classroom, a platform dedicated to providing educators with practical resources, toolkits, and insights to elevate their practice. I’ve presented at ESC conferences, contributed to professional publications, and collaborated on statewide initiatives to support teacher retention and instructional leadership.
Outside of work, I’m a proud wife and mom to three spirited children (ages 8, 9, and 17), three cats, a dog, and a tortoise named Leo. I love reading fantasy and dystopian novels, designing instructional materials, and binging true crime documentaries.
Thanks for stopping by—I’m so glad you’re here!