WestEd Senior Policy Associate Reino Makkonen provides evidence-based analysis and technical assistance to policymakers and practitioners served by WestEd's Policy Center, Southwest Comprehensive Center, and Regional Educational Laboratory West.

Makkonen's research focuses on school and district leadership and teacher policy, including reviewing states' professional teaching standards and examining the growing interest in reforming teacher evaluation.

Prior to joining WestEd in 2004, Makkonen wrote research articles for the Harvard Education Letter and Horace magazine, and developed early literacy and reading comprehension materials for Houghton Mifflin.

He is pursuing a doctorate in measurement and evaluation at the University of California Berkeley Graduate School of Education. Makkonen received a masters degree in education policy and management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.