This National Teacher Appreciation Day, we’re shining a spotlight on Kristin Oku, the founding theatre teacher at KIPP Compton Upper School, whose passion for the arts is transforming classrooms and inspiring students every day.
A seasoned arts educator, award-winning filmmaker, and actress, Ms. Oku brings over a decade of experience in creative education to her role. Since joining the founding team at KIPP Compton Upper, she has been helping students discover their voices through storytelling, scriptwriting, and creative collaboration — all while strengthening critical academic skills such as reading, writing, and problem-solving.
“I believe deeply in theater as a way to transform not only the individuals who are participating in the art form, but also the people who receive and watch the art form,” Ms. Oku shares. “I believe in using theater as a platform to rehearse the world that we want to create and the people that we want to be in the world.”
Before joining KIPP Compton, Ms. Oku developed a unique, arts-integrated theater program at California Creative Learning Academy and has taught acting, voice, and movement at institutions such as the New York Film Academy and CalArts. She holds an MFA in Acting from California Institute of the Arts and a BA in Theatre from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Whether on stage or in the classroom, Ms. Oku is driven by a mission to awaken compassion, inspire creativity, and build confidence in every student. We’re grateful for her vision, dedication, and the joy she brings to the KIPP Compton Upper community.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Day to Ms. Oku and all the educators who lead with heart, purpose, and imagination.