We are excited to introduce Bertrand Mari, the new Elementary School Director at the French American Academy (FAA). With extensive international experience and a deep passion for education, Bertrand Mari is excited to lead the French American Academy’s Elementary students on a personalized, bilingual learning path that shapes well-rounded, globally-minded students.

Q: What led you to education?
As many of us might think, teaching appears to be an easy job with lots of breaks—and it seems this misconception fooled Bertrand Mari as well. He admits what got him into education, “The worst reason you could think of: I thought it would be an easy job with a lot of free time. Spoiler alert: it’s actually the most difficult job on the planet. If you really want to do it right, you can spend 24 hours a day working, learning, and trying to be a better educator. There’s always a way to improve your knowledge and practice and to help your students grow.”
Bertrand Mari also recalls how he got hooked on the job in his early years of teaching by seeing the impact he could have on his students and the progress he could have on the students. He vividly recalls the time when he was teaching in an underprivileged school in France, and he had a student who couldn’t read, and one day, it just clicked for him. He says of the moment, “ I became literally hooked on the job. It’s the most interesting thing to do, teach kids. What can tops that? You’re literally in charge of shaping future generations’ minds.”

Q: What attracted you to the FAA?
Bertrand Mari mentioned that he saw that the FAA implements many teaching methods that he believes in, such as personalized learning and adaptive learning tools. He also said, “The main reason my family and I joined the FAA is the family-like atmosphere of its community. Our previous school was an 1800-student one. Here, the smaller class sizes allow me to get to know each child and their name.” (He did say it might take him some time).

Q: What are some of your exciting plans for the Elementary School?
Bertrand Mari says, “I am still in the process of understanding in depth how the school works, its strengths and what can be improved. Inclusion, Sustainability awareness, Critical Thinking, and Social-Emotional Learning are key topics from the 21st century we simply can’t ignore.”
Bertrand Mari is also excited to continue the FAA’s participation in global AFEE projects and plans to expand them with new projects. “I plan to create networks that will put the FAA on the map internationally, connecting us with other French schools around the world.” He also shared a list of future projects spanning themes such as “Spirit Run in Physical Education, a Science Fair, the Albertine Prize in Literature, Sustainable Development Actions.”

Q: How will your international background influence your leadership at the FAA?
Bertrand Mari’s international experience has shaped his inclusive and adaptable leadership style. Having taught students from diverse backgrounds—from royal families in Abu Dhabi to underprivileged communities—Bertrand Mari shared: « Really fast, I realized how similar all of the kids are, regardless of their background. They have the same insecurities and way of thinking as any other kids on the planet. More things tie them together than set them apart.”
In addition, Bertrand Mari’s experience working at an international school with a triple curriculum—French, English, and Arabic—has prepared him well for the collaboration needed between different departments. “I understand the needs of both the French and English departments, and I’m prepared to effective coordination between them,” he adds.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not focused on education?
Bertrand Mari said, “Spending time with my family and exploring the world! We’ve been wandering Europe and Asia, and I am so excited to start our journey through America!”

Q: What book, movie, or podcast has inspired you recently?
Bertrand Mari said, “I’ve been reading English literature in English these last months to prepare myself for living in the United States and thinking in English. The last novel that blew my mind was Roots from Alex Haley. The fascinating and revolting saga of an Afro-American family, from their roots in XVIIIth century Gambia to modern-day America, through slavery and segregation.”

Q: What are your most significant sources of inspiration or motivation in your personal life and career?
Bertrand Mari said, “Artists, athletes, and historical figures. I love biographies, from Augustus to Kobe Bryant, through Churchill, Emile Zola, and Stephen King. I always find something inspiring when reading or learning about great achievers.

Q: What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Bertrand Mari said, “I’ve been living in huge city areas like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and New York, yet my dream is to live in a remote forest house in a semi-autarchy! I enjoy being by myself and am more of a contemplative person than a social animal.”

Q: If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?
Bertrand Mari said, “Be kind to yourself.”

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the students, staff, or parents as you take on this new position?
Bertrand Mari said, “My door is always open, my emails are read regularly, and I listen to my voicemails. Never hold any resentment, unanswered questions, or rumors. Get in touch. I’m not saying we’ll always have easy conversations, but I can promise honest and transparent communication.”