Cristina Lowry began her career in education as a 2007 Teach For America corps member in Los Angeles. She taught sixth grade self-contained ESL at John Liechty Middle School here in Pico-Union. Cristina then spent two years in Washington DC where she taught fifth grade non-fiction and sixth grade math at KIPP DC: AIM Academy. During this time Cristina was involved with designing the non-fiction curriculum to infuse social studies, science and language arts concepts. Upon return to Los Angeles Cristina taught fifth grade reading at KIPP Academy of Opportunity in South Los Angeles where her students consistently demonstrated more than two years of reading growth in one academic year. Prior to joining Equitas as a School Director Fellow, Cristina served as the lower school dean at KIPP Academy of Opportunity. Cristina has a BA in Sociology and Afro-American & African Studies from the University of Michigan and an MA in Educational Leadership from Columbia University. In her spare time Cristina loves training for races, exploring restaurants in Los Angeles, and writing on her running blog. Cristina is excited to work with the Equitas team to build our second elementary school.