Andrew Watson (Director)

Andrew Watson specialises in the conceptual design and leadership of new schools, leading professional development, and developing global education initiatives, including The Education & Sustainability Leadership Programme, in partnership with Cambridge and Cape Town Universities, and the Education in Conflict & Post-Conflict Contexts (ECPCC), in partnership with United World College, Mostar, where he served on the Governing Board between 2010 and 2016. He is the co-author of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Leadership Pathway and a regular contributor to literature on education and sustainability. He has since worked with schools and government agencies in countries around the world including Albania, Armenia, Israel, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand and Venezuela.

Majd Jasser (Principal, Elementary)

Majd Jasser started her educational career with the University of Haifa as a research assistant while she was still a B.A student, where special Education was the main core subject and it touched her a lot. She found her aim in helping and empowering students with special needs. She has since worked with different schools and agencies. Since 2016, she has been working as a Special Education Supervisor and teacher at the Jerusalem American International School. The year 2019-2020 she was hired as Elementary and Middle school principal, grades 1st to 8th. These educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. Her educational philosophy is based on the uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family. All of which, JAS possess.

Angelika Khalilieh (Principal, Kindergarten)

​Angelika Khalilieh has joined the Jerusalem American School in 2013 and she has been serving as the Kindergarten Principal since 2017, prior to this she served as a homeroom teacher and as Assistant Principal. She is delighted to be part of the school’s leadership, such a great community of students, parents, educators and friends. She graduated from the Rosary Sisters High School in Jerusalem. She earned her graduate degree from Bethlehem University with Bachelor of Education and major Kindergarten. She attended many courses in leadership which provided her with the knowledge and expertise to guide her team. She believes in this quote “every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this world a beautiful garden”, she says: “we will value each child and we will work towards developing each child’s strengths, interests, skills, capacities, and knowledge through comprehensive and quality education. Your child is the future, we will work together in partnership to achieve each child’s full potential for a better future.”

Firas Zboun
​(Pastoral Leader)

Firas came to school in 2008 as an Arabic language teacher, after nine years of teaching Firas became the head of the discipline in the high school, and in 2020 he was selected by the new director of the school, as the pastoral leader in high school. Firas holds a BA certificate as a class teacher in addition to a university diploma in physical education, in addition to courses in establishing young leaderships, ways to deal with student’s behaviours, and a course in caution and safety on the roads especially for school students, in addition to training volleyball, basketball and handball. He believes that students at a certain age can take responsibility for themselves and their actions and act properly if they have the right guidance that spreads peace love and respect between them.
“With love and peace, we achieve the impossible.”

Karine Hagopian (Academic Leader)

Mrs Karine Momjian Hagopian was born and raised in Jerusalem. She graduated from California State University, Fresno with a Bachelor of Science in International Business and later obtained a degree in Education and English Literature. Currently, Karine is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Strategic Management. She has been working at the Jerusalem American School since 2003 and obtained various teaching positions as well as administrative. Mrs Karine’s current position is the leader of academics along with the middle and high school English Literature teacher. Karine’s passion is observing students’ growth and watching them prosper in a positive and safe environment. Her greatest rewards are witnessing children feeling included, loved, and successful.
“Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world.”

​