Kristen Wynn

Board Member

Kristen Wynn, Head of AIM Institute for Learning and Research Former State Literacy Director (K-12), Mississippi Department of Education Kristen Wynn’s service in the field of education spans over 19 years, marked by a steadfast commitment to ensuring equitable access for all students to effective literacy instruction, highly qualified teachers, and high-quality instructional materials. As the Head of AIM Institute for Learning and Research, Ms. Wynn leads initiatives focused on advancing literacy education through innovative research, coaching, and professional learning solutions. Her current role builds on a distinguished career dedicated to improving educational outcomes and supporting educators.



Ms. Wynn’s classroom experience includes teaching 1st and 2nd grade and serving as a Kindergarten through 5th grade Intervention Specialist. She has also spent several years mentoring new teachers. At the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), she served as a literacy coach, Regional Literacy Coordinator, Assistant State Literacy Coordinator, and as the State Literacy Director from October 2019 through July 2024. In these roles, she spearheaded efforts to improve literacy outcomes in schools and districts across Mississippi, co-creating several professional development trainings and developing key initiatives such as Mississippi’s Emerging Science of Reading School Recognition Program and Mississippi’s Literacy Leadership Network (MSLL).

Notable achievements include co-producing the MDE’s “Literacy Focus of the Month in Action” instructional videos and leading the development of Writing Galleries to enhance rigor and consistency in K-6 writing instruction. During her tenure, Mississippi achieved historic gains in literacy, culminating in the state’s recognition as one of the top-performing states in the nation for 4th grade reading on the 2024 and 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Ms. Wynn has also been an active member of several influential committees and task forces, including the Mississippi Reading Licensure Task Force, the Mississippi Reading Panel, the Higher Ed Literacy Council (HELC), the Governor’s Task Force for Teacher Preparation in Early Literacy Instruction, and the advisory board for the Mississippi Campaign for rade-Level Reading.

Through her leadership at AIM Institute, Kristen Wynn continues to champion excellence in literacy education, fostering collaboration and innovation to address the evolving needs of students and educators.