Academic Credentials & Professional Background
At KLIS, we believe a great teacher doesn't just deliver lessons – they open doors. Since joining KLIS last August, Mr. Jonathan Buchanan has been doing exactly that. With a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, a Master's in Educational Technology from Moreland University, and a secondary mathematics teaching license from Washington, D.C., Jonathan brings a rare combination of analytical discipline and modern pedagogy. But what truly makes him stand out is how he turns that background into everyday moments of discovery for our students – whether in a maths lesson, a small-group intervention, or a robotics session.
Industry Experience as an Aerospace Supplier Support Engineer
Before teaching, Jonathan spent three years as a Supplier Support Engineer at Butler Aerospace & Defense. There, he designed engineering solutions for rotary wing aircraft, conducted root cause analyses, authored over 100 engineering change orders using ENOVIA PLM software, and mentored junior engineers – all while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. That hands on engineering experience didn't stay behind in the industry; it travelled with him into every classroom and coaching session. When he teaches calculus or pre calculus, he doesn't just work through abstract formulas – he connects them to tangible problems, showing how mathematical reasoning drives real world design and decision making.
International Teaching Experience in Mongolia
His international teaching career began in Mongolia, where he taught AP Calculus AB/BC and Pre Calculus at Hobby School of Ulaanbaatar, aligning his instruction with both AP College Board standards and Cambridge frameworks. In addition, he delivered secondary English courses – including AP English Literature, Pre AP English 10, and IGCSE First Language English – which sharpened his ability to embed literacy strategies into maths instruction. He designed standards based curricula and assessments, using formative data to pinpoint skill gaps and differentiate learning, and he integrated technology enhanced lessons to support diverse learners in grasping abstract concepts – especially those transitioning into English medium academic settings.
Roles at KLIS: Robotics Coach, Math and ELL Teacher
Now at KLIS, Jonathan serves as our Robotics Coach and Math/ELL Teacher. His daily work focuses on targeted mathematics intervention and small group instruction across multiple proficiency levels. He designs scaffolded instructional strategies specifically for multilingual learners – emphasising mathematical language development, conceptual understanding, and the confidence to tackle English medium assessments. For him, every student's progress is a puzzle worth solving, and he uses data-informed approaches to ensure no one is left behind.
All of this is backed by a solid set of credentials: STEM.org Certified Educational Instructor, Google Certified Educator (Level 1), TES Child Protection for International Schools, and a 120 hour TEFL certification – each reflecting his commitment to both subject excellence and student wellbeing.
Driving KLIS STEM & Makerspace Strategic Development
Beyond the classroom, Jonathan plays an equally important role in shaping the future of STEM at KLIS. As our Robotics Coach, he participates in long-term STEM/STEAM project planning, which includes drafting funding proposals and phased implementation plans for robotics projects and competitive events. He is also leading our makerspace and STEM facilities planning, from vendor discussions to proposal development for a dedicated makerspace, upgraded science laboratories, student centred library workspaces, and a future STEM classroom equipped with computers, collaborative work areas, and 3D printing capabilities. His vision is not just about equipment – it's about creating an ecosystem where students can design, build, and innovate.
It is this combination of engineering rigour, pedagogical expertise, and long term strategic thinking that makes Jonathan such a valuable asset to our community. Whether he is planning a new robotics competition pathway or sketching out the layout of our future makerspace, he always keeps student learning at the centre.
