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Tara Kini

Chief of Policy and Programs

Tara Kini serves as Chief of Policy and Programs at the Learning Policy Institute. In this role, she works in California and nationally to bring high-quality research to policymakers and the public to inform evidence-based policies that support empowering and equitable learning for every child. Her work includes issues related to the educator workforce; meeting the needs of the whole child; equitable school resources; college, career, and civic readiness; and early childhood education. 

Kini has more than two decades of experience working in public education as a civil rights attorney, classroom teacher, and teacher educator. Previously, she was a senior staff attorney with Public Advocates, where she represented community-based organizations, students, and parents in education impact litigation. Kini taught English and history for 6 years in Bay Area public schools and served as a faculty supervisor with the University of California, Berkeley teacher education program. 

Kini holds a JD from University of California, Berkeley School of Law; an MA in Education and teaching credential from the Stanford Teacher Education Program; and a BA from Stanford. She is a member of the State Bar of California.