Krystal Vega-Washington

Krystal Vega-Washington joined KIPP SoCal in 2014 and currently serves as the Director of Teaching & Learning. Previously, she held the role of School Leader at KIPP Comienza Community Prep. Her experience includes coaching and managing teachers across all grade levels, with a particular passion for leader and teacher development and support. Krystal began her career in education as a special education teacher, starting with kindergarten at Encinitas Union School District. She later founded a specialized academic instruction program for students with intensive needs in South LA. After five years in special education, she transitioned to KIPP Comienza Community Prep, where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade.  In 2016, she received the KIPPStar Teacher of the Year award. Krystal is a first-generation college graduate, having earned her B.A. in Cognitive Development and her Masters in Teaching and Learning from the University of California, San Diego. Being the School Leader at Comienza and working alongside passionate teachers and leaders who worked together to prove the possible has been her most rewarding achievement yet.  She is passionate about teaching, especially math, and loves coaching teachers and leaders.  Krystal strongly believes that every child deserves a high-quality and joyful education and she looks forward to working with all schools to deliver on our promise together.