A visionary, an educator, and a changemaker—Dr. Kathryn Murray has dedicated her life to redefining early childhood education,ensuring that children across the globe receive the best start in life. As the Founder of Future Strong Education Consultancy in Australia, she has made a profound impact on teaching practices, inspiring educators and parents alike. Her journey, filled with passion, resilience, and innovation, exemplifies the essence of legacy in education.
A Passion for Teaching From the Start
Dr. Murray’s passion for teaching was ignited in childhood, where she transformed the garage of her home into a makeshift classroom. As a ten-year-old, she eagerly ‘taught’ neighbourhood children, writing math problems on the walls with chalk. This innate calling led her to a remarkable 25-year career in early childhood education, where she shaped the minds of young learners and became a trusted figure in the lives of countless families. Her transition from classroom teaching to university lecturing marked a pivotal shift in her career. She embraced the opportunity to shape future educators, mentoring pre-service teachers and sharing her invaluable experience. Simultaneously, she took on an advocacy role, working with children in foster care—a deeply emotional yet rewarding experience that broadened her understanding of childhood trauma and its effects on learning.
Breaking Boundaries and Building a Legacy
Dr. Murray’s career trajectory took a transformative turn when she was invited to join an Australian consultancy organization, offering her a platform to train teachers and parents on a national and international scale. While she cherished this role, the pull of family led her to establish Future Strong Education Consultancy in 2016—a bold step that allowed her to integrate her research, experiences, and expertise into a singular mission-driven initiative. In 2017, she achieved a deeply personal and professional milestone—receiving her Doctorate in Education on the same day her son graduated with his teaching degree. This moment, symbolic of her lifelong commitment to education, remains one of her proudest achievements.
The Birth of Brain-SET Environments Formula
A culmination of 40 years of experience, research, and dedication, the Brain-SET Environments Formula was born in 2020. This innovative, skills-based approach to teaching and learning has revolutionized early childhood education. By combining neuroscience, child development, research on the built environment and classroom strategies, Dr. Murray has provided educators with a transformative framework that enhances engagement, improves behavior, and fosters confidence, resilience, problem solving, academic skills and more in young learners. The impact of Brain-SET has been profound. Teachers across the globe have adopted this method, reporting that children in their classrooms are more settled, calm, engaged, and independent. Parents, too, have witnessed positive changes, with children sharing their daily learning experiences with newfound enthusiasm.
A Global Advocate for Change
Dr. Murray’s influence extends far beyond her consultancy. She has been published in multiple magazines, featured on expert panels and podcasts, and graced the covers of leading educational publications. As a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, she has shared her insights with global audiences, advocating for a reimagined approach to early learning. Her commitment to making a difference is evident in her philanthropic work. She actively supports a developing orphanage in Africa and serves as an international mentor for an educational organization in India. In her role as a judge for early childhood business awards, she continues to recognize and encourage innovative contributions to education.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Despite her vast achievements, Dr. Murray’s journey has not been without its challenges. Transitioning from an educator to an entrepreneur required her to develop business acumen, marketing strategies, and a mindset shift. “I see myself as a teacher,” she admits, “so being an entrepreneur is an ongoing learning experience that doesn’t always feel comfortable.” Yet, her unwavering dedication to sharing knowledge and best practices has propelled her forward, allowing her to make a global impact.
Her guiding principles—honesty, transparency, and understanding others’ perspectives—have shaped both her professional and personal interactions. She believes that fostering a sense of connection and trust is key to driving meaningful change.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Dr. Murray envisions an even greater expansion of Brain-SET Environments, reaching beyond early childhood education and into corporate spaces. She recognizes the potential for Brain-SET to enhance workplace environments, increasing productivity, well being, and creativity. She acknowledges that the needs of the brain should be considered wherever people gather – hospitals, law firms, libraries, shelters, or office spaces. It is here that she wants to continue to make a difference to the calm, wellbeing and enthusiasm in the workplace. Her next project—delivering professional development to rural and remote educators in Australia. This is her yearly ‘rural PD road trip’ and demonstrates her commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in education.
Her ultimate goal is to see Brain-SET principles embedded in classrooms and workplaces worldwide, evolving with the changing landscape of education. “Education can be done differently,” she affirms, “and by valuing the needs of the brain, we can make lasting, positive changes.”
A Lasting Legacy
For Dr. Kathryn Murray, legacy is not just about what she has accomplished—it is about the impact she leaves behind. While she has received accolades and recognition for her contributions, she hopes to be remembered not just for what she did, but for how she made people feel. “A calm brain is a thinking brain,” she often says, a mantra that encapsulates her approach to teaching, learning, and life. As she continues to shape the future of education, Dr. Murray stands as a beacon of inspiration, proving that passion, perseverance, and purpose can create a legacy that lasts for generations.