Doug Paulson

Doug Paulson is a senior technical assistance consultant at AIR with over 20 years of experience as a teacher, school administrator, and state education leader. His primary role is to provide support to state and local education agencies with the revision and implementation of state academic standards and creation of programs and professional development that improve academic achievement for all students, with a focus on science education.

Previously, Paulson served as the state STEM specialist and the director of academic standards and instructional effectiveness for the state of Minnesota. In that role, he developed extensive experience with policy development and working across intersections of K–12 educators, higher education faculty, and communities to engage voices and perspectives. He provided leadership as a state lead for the development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and eventually led the adaptation of the NGSS standards for Minnesota. In addition, he directed the revision and implementation of all academic standards, including creating the first ethnic studies standards for the state. He also worked in partnership with local indigenous nations to more accurately embed indigenous education for all in the standards. He also directed policies on gifted and talented; third-grade literacy proficiency and dyslexia; graduation requirements; competency-based education; Title IV, Part A; digital equity and inclusion; education technology; and several federal grant awards.

Paulson has several publications, including with the National Science Teaching Association; the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine; and the STEM Teaching Tools. He has served as a board member for the Council of State Science Supervisors, a committee member for the National Academy of Engineering, and on the boards of several Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations, including the Bakken Museum, the Minnesota Vikings Foundation Advisory, AirSpaceMN, The Works: Technology Museum, and the Minnesota Independent School Forum. Paulson is currently completing his Ed.D. in education leadership, administration, and policy at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota.