Teacher Feature: Coral and Ennis Johnson
The Johnson Family
Educators Coral and Ennis Johnson came to the February 2019 ISS job fair in San Francisco, seeking to teach abroad. Our team had the joy of celebrating with them as they accepted a new chapter for their family in the Middle East!
We checked in with them, almost six years later, to hear their reflections on the experience of teaching and living internationally. This interview was originally published in the 2024-25 ISS NewsLinks.
Please share a bit about yourselves!
Coral is from Nassau, Bahamas and has always dreamed of traveling the world. She had left her island multiple times with her family, but she wanted more. Starting her career in the business world and trying to escape the life of an educator (as both of her parents were), she realized how unfulfilled she felt in corporate America.
With Texas being her first international school experience, she realized her joy for working with, building rapport with, and understanding the adolescent brain as her passion. She enjoys playing sports, capturing family moments through photography, exploring different cultures, and championing equitable practices for individuals who are often marginalized. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education and participates in multiple events at her school.
On the other hand Ennis is originally from Memphis, TN. He spent most of his professional career as a musician and media production specialist before diving into the world of education. He enjoys playing basketball, indulging in Sci-Fi flicks, and producing music in his spare time. His teaching journey started in Texas, working for a Men’s Leadership Academy, Media Arts Academy, and becoming a Demo Teacher for his school district. His professional journey continues when we become international educators in Dubai, UAE. It has been a rewarding journey balancing professional aspirations, community impact, and a fulfilling family life in a city that values innovation and global connectivity. With the help of ISS, we were able to land teaching jobs at the American School of Dubai (ASD) where we have been for the last 6 years and are both Department Heads – Ennis as MS HOD Design and Innovation; and Coral as HS HOD Learning Support Services.
Ennis has also acquired a license for a company he founded called The Tomorrow Teacher, where we focus on learning initiatives that are future-focused and centered around student-centered learning, design thinking, and entrepreneurship. He’s been fortunate to present at multiple conferences around the world which have greatly influenced his approach to experiential learning. Additionally, his growth as a leader has been shaped by opportunities provided by ASD. He has obtained a Master of Science in Applied Digital Learning and Leading and has initiated several student-led clubs across different school levels, focusing on media production, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving. His work has evolved into roles such as Advisory Coordinator, Learning Experience Designer, and Content Creator at ASD, providing a platform to redesign advisory programs, facilitate student-led assemblies, and drive media production initiatives.
What do you love about the country you’ve been able to experience because of your international career?
Living in the UAE has been an incredible experience for both of us. The ease of travel and accessibility to resources in Dubai have made daily life convenient. Our children, along with us, have had the opportunity to connect with teachers, students, and coaches from around the world, truly embracing the concept of global citizenship. Because Dubai is a vibrant city, offering numerous events that promote networking, it has allowed us to meet individuals outside of the school community who support our personal goals as well.
With safety as a significant factor in our family’s comfort, the UAE consistently provides a secure environment. The country’s diverse population offers a wide variety of food and fashion options, and it’s inspiring to witness the mutual respect among people, whether they’re wearing an abaya or a bikini.
Additionally, the UAE is a forward-thinking nation where positive changes happen quickly, often benefiting both citizens and residents. There remains a conscious effort to promote a healthy work-life balance, ensuring that everyone feels not only safe but happy living here. We’ve had the opportunity to absorb almost all the UAE has to offer and are enjoying it to the fullest.
Coral and Ennis celebrating their new job at the 2019 ISS Job Fair
How would you describe your quality and way of life as an international educator?
Our quality of life has risen significantly since moving to Dubai. We have travelled to 41 countries around the world and experienced how others live. Our school has given us the opportunity to attend various professional development conferences in the UAE, GCC, and the world. We have attended Special Education Conferences, UBD conferences, 21st Century Learning Conferences, Innovation/Game Design Conferences, paid for our Master’s degrees and so much more with ASD. We have traveled from South Africa to Bangkok and everywhere in between attending conferences. We have both been able to share our expertise through presenting at international conferences and during our school’s internal professional learning days.
Our children have been able to have consistent extra-curricular activities that support their development inclusive of sports (volleyball clubs/basketball/Table Tennis), Falcon Singers, Student Council, Theater and Design & Innovation/Entrepreneurial clubs. Our campus is state of the art which means we have access to the school gym, the broadcasting studio, maker space lab, and our upcoming design and innovation center. Our school community is truly amazing as we have many events that foster connections and cultivate a sense of belonging.
Coral is one of the school’s New Faculty Coordinators where she supports new faulty coming into the school; but also Ennis runs multiple clubs for students and we both coach sports teams. These opportunities that we simply enjoy and love being a part of are opportunities that may not have been afforded to us otherwise.
The Johnsons
Beyond the classroom, are there any adventures that stand out from your time living internationally?
One of the most memorable experiences beyond the classroom was our school’s INSPIRE trip, where high school students embarked on international journeys centered around key concepts, many aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
During a service trip to Tanzania in November 2019, Coral met Van Lusiu, who served as a guide. After that meeting, we planned a family trip for December 2020, where Van guided us through Moshi and Arusha, along with various safaris. We had an incredible time visiting Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Park with Van and his colleague. The connections we made with local people made the experience even more meaningful,
Spending Christmas in Tanzania deepened our bond with Van, and ultimately, we invested in his dream of starting his own safari company. This was an opportunity we wouldn’t have had if we hadn’t moved abroad. We’ve enjoyed supporting his vision by helping build his brand, designing websites and logos, and being part of bringing his dream to life.
Follow the Johnsons on a variety of platforms: Ennis on Linkedin; Coral on Linkedin; Ennis on X at @TomorrowTeachr; Adventures with the Johnsons on Facebook; Adventures with the Johnsons: Instagram; and www.thetomorrowteacher.org
Many thanks from the ISS team to the Johnsons their reflections! You can also find their first 2019 feature with ISS here.
Do you love being an international educator? Share your why here! Interested in taking your own career abroad? Our ISS EDUrecruit® member schools span 100+ countries and offer a variety of curricula, presenting you with an exciting list of new opportunities and places to explore. Get started here.