James Cryan

Founder & Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Prep

"It's a magical world, Hobbes, ol' buddy... Let's go exploring!" – Calvin & Hobbes

Before founding Rocky Mountain Prep, James Cryan was one of the charter corps members of Teach for America: Colorado. As a 6th grade English Teacher in a local DPS school, he led his students to over 2.3 years of reading growth in one year and was nominated for the Sue Lehman award (National TFA Teacher of the Year award). In 2008-9 James worked with the local DPS School Board as a School Board Fellow with Bruce Hoyt on improving the process of bringing new schools into the district. James has also had professional experience in clean energy consulting and as a scuba-diving instructor.

James graduated magna cum laude from Colby College where he studied Political Science and International Development. His MBA in School Leadership is expected from the University of Denver in August 2011. Outside of work, James loves to backcountry ski, climb and hike with his dog Sage.