Kim Austin is a Senior Program Associate in Innovation Studies, Director of REL West Dissemination, and the partnership lead for REL West’s Literacy Improvement Partnership, a collaboration with Washoe County School District focused on K-6 writing instruction.

A qualitative researcher by training, Austin brings expertise in literacy, online learning, professional development, evaluation and learning theory. Recent projects have focused on research-based instructional practices, multimedia content development, and systemic supports for English Learners. She coordinates and oversees the research, dissemination and online instructional design for the i3-funded project Leading with Learning, focused on supporting English-learners in two California districts.

Austin received a BA, with a dual major in psychology and child study, from Tufts University; an MEd from Harvard University, concentrating on human development and psychology; and a PhD in educational psychology from Stanford University.