Kathryn (Katie) J. Strom

Dr. Kathryn (Katie) J. Strom plays a critical role in shaping the landscape of educational leadership as an Associate Professor at California State University, East Bay. She is also the Director of the university's Center for Research on Equity and Collaborative Engagement, where she spearheads initiatives aimed at fostering educational equity and collaborative practices. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that education should be a relational and equitable process, particularly for multilingual youth who often face systemic challenges in traditional educational settings. Dr. Strom's research interests are diverse yet interconnected, focusing on critical complexity theory, educational equity, and relational approaches in education. She is particularly passionate about teacher education and the ways in which educators can be better prepared to support multilingual students. Her scholarly contributions have been instrumental in advancing theories of critical complexity within the field of teacher education, offering new perspectives on how educators can navigate and thrive in complex educational environments. Throughout her career, Dr. Strom has been actively involved in numerous research projects that align with her commitment to educational equity. She has held leadership roles in the International Consortium of Multilingual Excellence in Education, a federally-funded initiative that seeks to enhance educational outcomes for multilingual learners. Additionally, she has contributed significantly to the NSF-funded STEAM Language, Learning, and Identity for Multilingual Learners project, which explores the intersections of language, identity, and learning in STEAM education. Dr. Strom's work is characterized by a strong emphasis on collaboration and engagement, both within academia and in broader educational contexts. She has published extensively on topics related to her research interests, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for educators and policymakers alike. Her publications serve as a resource for those seeking to implement more equitable and relational approaches in their educational practices. In addition to her research and leadership roles, Dr. Strom is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of educators and researchers. She is known for her supportive and inclusive approach to teaching, which encourages students to critically engage with complex educational issues and develop their own innovative solutions. Her commitment to fostering a collaborative and equitable learning environment is reflected in her interactions with students and colleagues alike. Dr. Strom's contributions to the field of education extend beyond her academic achievements. She is a sought-after speaker and consultant, sharing her expertise with educational institutions and organizations around the world. Her work continues to inspire and influence educators, researchers, and policymakers who are committed to creating more equitable and inclusive educational systems.