Introducing Dr. Eric Johnson, Our New Head of Kraków Cosmo

Meet the Head: Q&A with Dr. Eric Johnson

You’re a familiar face to many in Kraków! What makes you most excited to return to this city and lead Cosmo?

Having lived in Krakow for six years and countless visits prior to that, returning to Kraków feels less like starting a new chapter and more like coming home. A key reason for this is that my wife is from Kraków, so having family and friends rooted in this amazing city gives me a deep, personal connection to its future.

What excites me most right now is the opportunity to lead Krakow Cosmopolitan School and continue to build on an exciting educational vision within a community that I care so much about. I am looking forward to exploring areas for educational and institutional growth and developing a strategic plan that is student-centred and incorporates our six values to create a welcoming learning environment for our school community.

To lead Cosmo in the very city where my loved ones live is an exceptional privilege. I am eager to welcome families to our campus, continue to build an inclusive learning environment for our students, and help shape a brighter, more sustainable future right here in Kraków.

Your background spans the US, Spain, and the Czech Republic.
How does that global perspective shape how you lead a school?

I think a unique aspect of international education is learning about cultural differences and developing an understanding of how to approach situations and communicate effectively with our school community. Looking back on my educational journey, my leadership is influenced by the countries I have worked in, the school communities I have served, and school leaders I have had the privilege of working with.

Whether it is my focus on student agency and building collaborative school communities or emphasising the profound power of relationships through collective well-being and strong interpersonal bonds, my background and experiences have taught me to lead with adaptability, empathy, and a nuanced appreciation for diverse perspectives.

What does ‘excellent education’ look like to you in practice?

Student well-being, holistic development, and positive relationships sit at the heart of my educational philosophy. Having lived and worked in multiple countries and schools, I have seen that true learning happens only when a child feels secure, valued, and emotionally supported.

Leading a school holistically means looking beyond traditional metrics to nurture the whole child. By designing learning experiences around student curiosity, voice, and personal growth, I aim to ensure our school remains a safe, inclusive space where children do not merely achieve, but truly flourish as confident, compassionate global citizens.

What is your vision for the Cosmo learning environment and its community?

For me, it starts with culture. When kids walk through our doors every morning, they need to feel safe, heard and genuinely excited to learn. Leadership isn’t about sitting in an office. It’s about service – giving teachers the tools to thrive, supporting students every step of the way and giving parents peace of mind, every day.

On a practical level, that means focusing on personalised growth rather than a one-size-fits-all model. It’s important to look closely at student progress and invest heavily in teacher mentorship so our instruction stays dynamic and tailored to every child.

Beyond the classroom, I want everyone in our Kraków and Wrocław communities to feel a shared pride in Cosmo. As our two schools work closely together, we are building an extended family where parents are actively involved, school spirit is tangible and every student feels a real sense of belonging.

Outside of the school, what can we find you doing on a weekend in Poland?

On the weekends, I try to be active and outdoors as much as possible, whether that’s a walk around the Planty or hiking in the mountains. Of course, moving back to Kraków gives me an opportunity to rediscover the city and the changes that have taken place, which I am excited about!