A respected art educator in Nairobi, Kenya, Mary Muringi spent more than a decade teaching in international schools before deciding it was time for a new challenge. Two years ago, she took a leap—accepting her first overseas teaching role in Dubai. The experience has broadened her perspective, strengthened her confidence, and opened new doors for the future. Now, as her son prepares to finish high school, Mary is excited for him to explore international universities while she continues her own global journey in education, supported by Search Associates (SEARCH). She reflects:
Having taught in international schools in Kenya for 12 years, I felt I needed some change and growth in my career, try to experience teaching in different countries.
Mary’s path into education began with a love of art. Growing up, she knew she was meant to be an artist, but without clear guidance on how to pursue that path, she chose to study education in college, majoring in fine art. What began as a practical decision soon became a calling. Her first classroom experience, filling in for a teacher on maternity leave, confirmed that teaching was where she belonged.
The students were eager to learn, open-minded, and quite expressive with their skills. I asked the head teacher to inform me if there was going to be a vacancy in the future. Three months later, the school hired me and I worked there for 10 years.
Mary credits artist Michael Musyoka as a key influence in shaping her perspective on art education. He introduced her to “the other side of art that you will rarely find in books or curricula,” connecting her with artists and gallerists committed to advancing art education in Kenya and beyond.
For Mary, art is deeply personal, and she strives to help students see that creative careers are possible. She encourages young artists to believe in themselves and pursue their passions, “regardless of what they have been told in the past and how they compare themselves to others.” Through her teaching, she helps students build confidence in their abilities and take pride in sharing their work with others.
Mary is also passionate about helping students envision their futures beyond school. Mary often goes “the extra mile to engage different artists and do studio visits just to understand the processes and experiences of artists.” One moment that stands out in her career: “I have a student who once took part in bidding for an artwork in an online auction; he was the youngest participant.”
After more than a decade teaching in Kenya, Mary began thinking about the possibilities of teaching abroad. When she shared this idea with a friend, he sent her a link to the GEMS Education website. She quickly applied to GEMS Founders School in Dubai. Determined to prepare herself, Mary researched life in the UAE and what teaching in Dubai might be like. Within two weeks, she spoke with a recruiter and soon after participated in a face-to-face interview.
I knew it was the right decision because Mr. John Stapely, the Associate Principal, was kind during the interview. It felt like talking to an old friend, and he gave me room to express myself. Until today, it has been one of my best interviews. Another thing, the school values well-being of the students and teachers, and it has invested greatly in expressive arts department.
Like many educators who moved abroad for the first time, Mary’s early months overseas were filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Traveling and living far from familiar surroundings, and from friends and family, was not easy. Over time, however, she found support among her colleagues, who she says “make work fun.” Teaching abroad has also deepened her appreciation for the values her family and culture instilled in her.
However, I have learned so much and feel like a different person. Overseas teaching has boosted my confidence in my teaching and life too.
Mary’s contract nears its end in July 2026, so she registered with Search Associates (SEARCH) on the recommendations of friends. “I thought I give it a try, best decision ever!” she adds.
Immediately, Bill and Alison Turner helped Mary revise her CV, prepare her for job fairs, analyze potential schools, making sure that Mary would not overlook important details. With confidence, she has been sending applications to schools that feel suitable.
Working with Bill and Alison has been eye opening. A good example is my CV, which was loaded with information; they helped me narrow down to key details. I came to them at a time when I was conflicted with the next steps to take in my career. Their guidance has been helpful, but the most humbling moments with them are when they humanize the experience, understanding my needs and concerns. It definitely helps when you have someone by your side to guide you when making life changing decisions.
Mary attended the Search Dubai-November in 2025 at Universal American School. Not only did she enjoy learning about schools and taking part in lengthy conversations with “lovely teachers and heads of schools,” but she also made two new friends with whom she has been keeping in touch.
These days Mary checks the Search Associates website daily, exploring new opportunities and staying engaged with the international school community. She appreciates how easy the platform makes it for referees to submit recommendations and enjoys reading the helpful articles about teaching abroad that Bill and Alison regularly share.
Even during this period of transition—time apart from her son, who is finishing high school in Kenya, and the space between giving notice at her current school and accepting a new position—Mary Muringi remains enthusiastic about the possibilities ahead. Her advice to educators considering the move overseas is simple and heartfelt:
Go for it; you will not regret it! You become a different person, and the experience is worth it. You learn a lot. Also, it helps in building your networks.
