Cannon School Appoints Krista Johns as Director of Arts

Following a strategic and inclusive planning process earlier this year, Cannon School has announced the appointment of long-time faculty member Krista Johns as its first-ever Director of Arts. Johns will officially assume the newly created position at the start of the 2025–2026 academic year.

Johns, who has served the Cannon community since 2007, brings more than 26 years of teaching experience and a deep commitment to arts education. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the school’s continued investment in the arts and follows the completion of an internal search process.

"Krista brings a heartfelt vision and steadfast belief in the power of the arts to transform students’ lives," said Head of School Mike Drew. "Her leadership reflects warmth, innovation, and an enduring commitment to student growth."

As the former Director of Visual Art and Lower School Art Teacher, Johns led a number of impactful initiatives at Cannon. Among her accomplishments are the implementation of the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) approach, revitalized student exhibitions at the Mint Museum, and the development of partnerships with the Cabarrus Arts Council. She was recently honored with the prestigious Kimbrough Fellowship, which will support professional development for the entire arts faculty.

Johns’ contributions extend beyond the classroom. She has served on key committees such as Arts Jam and has played an integral role in advancing arts integration across academic divisions.

Reflecting on her new role, Johns said, “Teaching at Cannon has been the greatest gift and I have been honored to serve as the Director of Visual Arts for the past three years. We have an incredible art department, and I am excited to work with them to help advance our programs. I am eager to learn more about ways I can support and advocate for our amazing arts faculty.”

Mr. Drew expressed gratitude to the Cannon arts faculty for the extraordinary talent, dedication, and passion they bring to their roles. “Their work each day reflects a deep commitment to students and to their craft, and it is this collective strength that makes the arts such a vital part of the Cannon experience,” he said. “I’m grateful for the many voices and perspectives that helped inform this decision and for the continued spirit of collaboration that will guide the arts forward.”