Forrest McKinnis, a Careers & Tech Ed Instructor at Rivers Edge High School within the Richland School District, has been recognized as the Innovative Educator of the Year by the Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE).
“What sets our NCCE Educator Award winners apart is not just what they know, but how deeply they care. Their passion shines through in their classrooms, their leadership, and their commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences for every student, stated NCCE CEO Shannon Davenport. “Forrest McKinnis is a great example of an educator who invests in their students and shows empathy in and out of the classroom,” praised Davenport.
At Rivers Edge High School, McKinnis serves an alternative student population, supporting individuals who frequently face academic, social, or personal challenges. He played a pivotal role in transitioning the school to a project-based learning model, allowing students to apply academic content directly to real-world experiences. In his co-taught Business and Marketing courses, McKinnis guides students in creating digital products for real clients, helping them build both confidence and professional, career-ready skills.
McKinnis is known for a creative, student-centered approach to technology that fosters independence and problem-solving. Beyond the classroom, he shares his innovative practices with colleagues, even using social media platforms to inspire instructional creativity across the district. A long-time attendee of NCCE conferences, he consistently integrates emerging technologies and best practices into his teaching environment.
“His work exemplifies the transformative power of thoughtful technology integration paired with a deep commitment to student success,” said Samantha White, CTE Instructional Specialist, who nominated McKinnis for the award. “He has been instrumental in transforming learning through forward-thinking instructional strategies and meaningful technology integration that re-engages students”.