About Kalin
I'm Kalin Schoephoerster (CPACC), an instructional design consultant and freelance instructional designer based in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a background in K–12 special education. I partner with K–12 districts, higher ed, EdTech teams, and small businesses to build accessible learning that is usable in real workflows. My focus is practical deliverables, clear documentation, and accessibility built in from the start.
I design accessible, aligned learning solutions that help organizations move from ideas to measurable results. My work focuses on practical deliverables—e-learning, instructor-led training, curricula, and enablement resources—built to be easy to use and ready for the real world. Every project is collaborative, evidence-based, and respectful of your team’s time and expertise. I work as an independent consultant, which means every project gets my direct attention — no handoffs, no account managers.
How I work
My background and credentials
I bring more than 10 years of experience in education, rooted in K–12 special education in Minnesota and expanded through formal instructional design training. I hold a CPACC certification from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals — a credential that reflects deep fluency in accessibility standards, disability rights frameworks, and inclusive design practice. My instructional design foundation comes from the MasterTrack Certificate program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, one of the leading ID programs in the country. I also hold a Minnesota K–12 Teaching License (Tier 4 Academic and Behavior Strategist) and maintain active memberships in ATD and IAAP to stay current in both fields.
Want to understand what CPACC certification means for your specific project? The FAQ breaks it down in plain language →
Featured Work Sample
As a former Minnesota K–12 special education teacher, I developed a free parent resource covering 25 special education topics under IDEA and Minnesota rules — an example of the accessible, plain-language curriculum I bring to every project.
Mission
To create accessible, aligned, and innovative learning solutions so that organizations, educators, and learners can experience meaningful growth, supported by content that is engaging, effective, and respectful of their time and expertise.
Vision
To make accessible, aligned learning the norm—so organizations, educators, and learners see real growth, not busywork—by championing evidence-based design that is inclusive by default, measurable in impact, and respectful of people’s time and expertise.
KShep Creative Values
Accessibility First
Every project begins with a commitment to removing barriers. I design with inclusion in mind so that people of all abilities can learn, grow, and thrive.
Respect and Collaboration
Learners, subject matter experts, and stakeholders all bring valuable perspectives. I honor their time, expertise, and experiences by building respectful and collaborative processes.
Alignment with Purpose
Effective learning happens when content, objectives, and organizational goals are in sync. I ensure every solution connects seamlessly to what matters most.
Creativity with Intention
Creativity is more than design flair—it’s the ability to craft tailored, innovative solutions that engage learners and make complex ideas accessible.
