Career history
Akins started with McKinney ISD in 2000 as a teacher, teaching high school English and special education. After six years of teaching, Akins became a school counselor, a position she held for 10 years before transitioning into the district’s first ever director of counseling. In April 2024, she moved into her current position.
Explaining the role
Akins said her work focuses on ensuring students have the skills and strategies they need when they leave school to join the workforce, the military or attend college so they can build happy and productive lives.
“We’re always looking to improve the education and services that our students receive,” Akins said. “It spans from pre-K all the way up through high school and beyond, and it really looks at how students interact with their learning.”
The federal programming piece of the position challenges the district to look at its student population to find trends where the district can help, she said.
“Maybe students are educationally disadvantaged or there are students that are homeless ...or have other types of special needs, and [we are] really ensure that we're providing a free and appropriate public education to them,” Akins said.
Looking ahead
In the new position, Akins will support the district as they move forward with the McKinney ISD 2024 Strategic Plan, which is meant to guide the district for the next 3-5 years. Akins said she will coordinate a variety of initiatives across the district that fall under the strategic plan.
Additionally, Akins said the position will help McKinney ISD students get the support they need in the classroom, and it will also provide programs and experiences to prepare them for life after graduation.
Currently, Akins said the district is looking at the Career Technology Education program, and other similar programs, as part of the strategic plan to identify the strengths and develop pathways that will get students in the program ready for their chosen career when they graduate.
District leaders are also planning partnerships with businesses in the community and colleges, she said, aiming to find areas to support students and ensure the curriculum is current and engaging.
Lastly, Akins said she works to identify grants that will bring in new resources that will benefit the student population.
Quote of note
“My whole career has been here in McKinney ISD, and I'm very proud of this district,” Akins said. “I'm proud of the work that occurs here.”
