Joel Mendes

Joel Mendes has worked in the field of education since graduating from California State University of Long Beach with a BA in English Education and Literature and a California Teaching Credential. Throughout his career he has held roles in teaching children, mentoring and teaching adults, developing curriculum, and leading schools and educational endeavors in founding and executive positions. He initially worked in traditional educational environments and found his passion for Montessori education when his personal life and professional dovetailed. He happened to find a job working at a Montessori school while he was becoming a father for the first time. Not only did he witness the value of Montessori education for his students in his school, but he experienced them first-hand with his own children. He now is the father to three children who have grown up in Montessori environments and alongside them Joel dove into Montessori completely. He earned his Montessori Certification from Montessori Institute of San Diego and mentoring and leading his Montessori colleagues in as a proven school leader and educator. Today, Joel is the Executive Director of the Prepared Montessorian Institute, the teacher training and professional development arm of Higher Ground Education. He uses his expertise to create and deliver high-fidelity training and resources to practicing Montessorians and leading the most innovative Montessori training organization there is.