Leadership Spotlight: Kulangara Jacob Johnson

ISS Leadership Search was honored to support the Director for the Center for Design and Innovation for Public Purpose search for American School of Dubai in Dubai, UAE. Congratulations to Dr. Kulangara Jacob Johnson for accepting the position, beginning August 2025!

Dr. Kulangara Jacob Johnson holds a Ph.D. and an M.Phil. in Educational Leadership from Walden University, USA, along with an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from the College of New Jersey, USA. He also has a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, specializing in Electronics, from Bangalore University, India.

Dr. Johnson holds over 40 years of experience in international education and technology. Currently, he serves as the Director of Innovation and Technology at Carol Morgan School in the Dominican Republic, where he has successfully rebranded the tech department to Learning Innovation & Technology (LIT), developed a comprehensive K12 LIT curriculum, and designed innovative learning spaces. Previously, he held the position of Head of Innovation & Technology at the International School Hannover Region in Germany, where he led significant advancements in educational technology and curriculum development. Dr. Johnson’s career began at Infosys Technologies in India, where he was an Operations Manager.

His journey reflects a commitment to fostering lifelong learning and empowering students and educators through innovative practices and partnerships with leading organizations.

What drew you to pursue the world of education? And what drew you into international education specifically?

My journey into education was inspired by a profound belief in the transformative power of learning. As a “lead learner,” I’ve always been passionate about fostering environments where students can explore their potential and develop critical skills for the future. My early experiences as an Operations Manager at Infosys Technologies instilled in me a deep understanding of technology’s role in education, leading me to advocate for innovative learning practices.

A pivotal moment occurred during a safari in Tanzania (1985) when I met an IB student who had just enrolled in the Computer Science program. The school did not have a teacher for this course so the next day I was invited to meet the HOS who offered me the position, marking the start of my international education journey. This dynamic field captivated me for its diversity and emphasis on global citizenship, enriching my understanding, and allowing me to engage with different cultures while championing personalized learning and creating equitable opportunities for all learners.

 

Parent Maker Learning Workshop ISHR

American School of Dubai

Congratulations on your upcoming role at American School of Dubai! What are you excited about in this new role?

I am thrilled to accept the role of Director for the Center for Design and Innovation for Public Purpose at ASD, as it aligns perfectly with my passion for fostering innovation and positive social impact in education and societies at large. This newly established center presents a unique opportunity to shape a vibrant learning ecosystem for students in Grades 6-12, where design thinking and entrepreneurship can thrive.

My hope is to cultivate a culture of collaboration and creativity, where students, faculty, and community partners work together to develop impactful projects that address real-world challenges. I envision the center as a hub for experiential learning that inspires students to become proactive and impactful global citizens, equipped with the skills necessary for the future. By leveraging strategic partnerships and staying at the forefront of emerging trends, I aim to enhance the center’s reach and create meaningful, applied learning experiences that empower students to be the change they want to see in this world, making a difference in their communities.

 

Please tell us about your education philosophy and your leadership style. What can the ASD community expect?

I see myself as a visionary, transformative, and empathetic leader who believes in the power of the collective. My 40 years in education have been shaped by a commitment to fostering environments that empower both students and educators. I advocate for a strengths-based approach, focusing on the unique capabilities of each learner. My role as an architect of learning environments allows me to facilitate conditions that encourage collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

At the heart of my leadership philosophy is the belief that learning is a shared journey. By working alongside learners and educators, I aim to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. This approach not only enhances the educational experience but also prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. I am dedicated to creating inclusive, personalized learning pathways that inspire a passion for lifelong learning and self-discovery.

 

What was your experience with ISS Leadership Search like?

My experience with the ISS Leadership Search Team was outstanding. Their professionalism, transparency, and commitment to finding the right fit for both candidates and organizations set them apart from other organizations I’ve encountered. The team’s deep understanding of international education and their personalized approach made me feel valued and engaged throughout the entire process. I wholeheartedly recommend ISS for anyone seeking a thoughtful and effective search experience.

A compilation of learning activities. Top row, left to right: Project Green Machine; Team Germany Dubai 2019 FGC. Bottom row, left to right: With Dean Kamen FIRST; AI Wonderland IWC

Dr. Johnson and family: wife Janice Myles, daughter Jessica Johnson, and son Nikhil Johnson

What is an interesting fact or story about you that you would like to share?

One of my childhood dreams was to be an astronaut (and still is). In 1988, I wanted to be a teacher in space and was selected to attend the NASA Aerospace Institute. After this amazing experience, I participated with my students in naming the next space shuttle after the tragic Challenger accident. As part of this competition, we built a space city, tracked (using good old traditional methods) the space shuttle using large paper STS maps, and saw the shuttle pass over us with our naked eyes around 1:13 am from the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. At NASA, I was also invited to a “secret warehouse” where NASA scientists and engineers were tracking ET activity actively. I was also authorized to receive “moon rocks.” My name is now on a micro-chip on the Parker Solar Probe heading to the sun!

Thank you to Dr. Johnson for sharing these reflections with us! We are excited for his role at the American School of Dubai, and we look forward to seeing his passion for fostering innovation, creativity, and social impact at work with the ASD community. Wishing the best also to the family who will join him in this exciting new move: his wife Janice, and their 14-year-old dog Camilla!

You can connect with Dr. Johnson on LinkedIn, X, and his website

If you’re interested in pursuing a school leadership position, please check out our current leadership searches or get in touch with the ISS Leadership Search Team.

Bonus picture: Dr. Johnson in his band, Turning Point