Paul Koehler is director of the Policy Center at WestEd. The Policy Center is a voice at the state, regional and national levels, keeping members of the U.S. Congress and other policy leaders informed of developments in research and practice. Koehler also serves as director of the West Comprehensive Center, a technical assistance center funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The Center provides assistance to chief state school officers and their staff members in Arizona, Nevada and Utah, as they implement provisions of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act in their states.

Previously, Koehler served as education adviser to Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. He also served as associate superintendent of the Arizona Department of Education. Before that, he was a district superintendent and assistant superintendent for 16 years and a classroom teacher for 10 years.

Koehler received a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from C.W. Post College, a Master of Science degree in elementary education from Brooklyn College, and a Ph.D. in elementary education and curriculum development from Arizona State University.